Nov. 9th: Assignments sent out, creating period begins
Nov. 30th: First check-in
Dec. 15th: Second check-in
Dec. 24th - Jan. 4th: Gifting period
Event FAQ
Q: Who can join?
A: Anyone who enjoys Rivals Duo and would like to create something for a fellow fan.
Q: What sort of content is accepted?
A: Art, writing, web weaves, playlists, stim/aesthetic boards. Other options can be discussed with the mod!
Q: What are the requirements for our gifts?
A: One completed piece of art, one completed fic of 1k words, one completed web weave, a playlist of at least an hour long, two stim/aesthetic boards with sources.
Q: Are ships allowed?
A: If you have an interest in C!Dreamnoblade, that will be an option you can pick. Any other ships should be background and not the focus if your giftee has stated they are OK with that.
Q: Is there a Discord?
A: No, this is a strictly tumblr-run event. You'll be contacted through tumblr though asked to provide a backup like Discord in case a mod can't get in touch.
Happy @rivalsduogiftexchange! This is my (belated) gift for @thesunhaseyes :D
3.1k words
teen and up audiences
no archive warnings apply :3
It's perfect here.
Well.
It's mostly perfect here, because there is currently one extremely pressing issue that neither Techno nor Dream have addressed so far.
That issue being Dream's destroyed wings.
He hasn't seen them since the escape a few days ago, bundled into the warm softness of this nest, and, if Dream could get his way, he'd never want to see them ever again, never want to see what's been done to them, what he did to them.
--- --- ---
Dream's wings are destroyed after his time in Pandora. Techno helps him clean them up.
READ HERE OR IN TITLE
Reblogs are ALWAYS appreciated even if you don't read the fic! :D Taglist below the cut! Ask me if u wanna be added to/removed from the taglist :3
@carnatus89 I have a @rivalsduogiftexchange gift for you!
The prompt is Rivals duo being smart on their own but dumb as bricks together.
I can't help making something dumb. It would be funny if this is the actual reason Dream fell from the obsidian grid during doomsday haha. Remember to always watch your step and don't trust your resident pig to always catch you XDDD.
My gift for @negativepeanuthoarder for the @rivalsduogiftexchange!! I'm so sorry this is so late, it kinda got away from me. But I do hope you like it! I tried to include the duo being BAMFs, some QPR relationship, good old hurt/comfort, and weather power stuff! This was super fun to write lol I hope I get the chance to participate next year because it really is my favorite event now.
"Even"
Words: 3,014
Synopsis: Solo-Leveling AU where Dream (an A-rank necromancer class) and Techno (an S-rank fighter class) attempt to raid a low level portal before the boss breaks through. Upon entering, the portal become a red gate, trapping the two inside. The only way to escape is to defeat the boss or die trying...
âWell, this is the spot.â
Dream shields his eyes from the glowing blue portal as he rounds the alley corner. As he gets closer to the gateway, he could feel the more energy itâs emitting. Thatâs always been a passive thing since his awakening; feeling magic before being able to see the source. Itâs why heâs made himself a valuable asset to their guild. Itâs like he can sense a gate opening before it even happens.
Beside him, his hunter companion and other guild member Techno gives a low whistle. âYou sure the hunterâs association called this right? Looks a little big to be a C rank.â
âIâve seen bigger.â Dream ignores the snort of laughter and makes his way up to the gate. He doesnât think heâll ever get used to seeing one this close up, no matter how many raids heâs done. He closes his eyes and allows himself a moment to breath in his excitement.
âLadies first,â Techno says, appearing beside him. Dream opens his eyes, and before he can retort, Techno disappears into the swirling blue portal. Dream smiles and slips on his protective face mask before following his friend inside.
Dreamâs throat tightens the second he crosses the threshold. The energy on this side feels different than when they were on the material plane. The cave doesnât look anything like what they typically look like. The stone colored walls are a deep red in color, occasionally mixed with dark brown and black marble. Intermittent are chunks of gold and white that give off enough light to see a few meters down the way. Thereâs also a noticeable heat coming from the walls. Techno seems to notice the change too, as he turns to one of the cave walls and presses his hand against it, a frown on his face.
Before Dream has a chance to comment on his unease, the subtle blue glow at the corners of his eyes from the portal changes into a startling red. His own fear is mirrored in Technoâs face as he looks past him to the portal.
The two immediately turn to rush back from where they came. But itâs too late, as Dreamâs hand connects with the red portal as if itâs a solid wall. A few seconds later, the portal begins shrinking until it disappears completely, leaving the two alone in the unknown cavern.
***
Dream estimates theyâve been walking for a couple hours at least. Although itâs hard to tell without the sun and everything looking exactly the same. They couldâve been walking in one giant circle for all he knew. The only change has been the air getting slightly warmer, though the walls remain their strange red color. Dream swears he hears something a couple of times within the walls. Other than that, there seems to be no sign of any monsters or other life.
Weirdly, Techno seems to be steadfast in their journey, taking almost no time in choosing what path to take when the cavern splits. Itâs impossible to tell which path leads to the boss, though Dream tries to sense any type of magic or hints that theyâre going in the right direction. He trusts Technoâs judgment, however, and will gladly follow him through the winding maze.
âI can smell the fire,â Techno says after a few more minutes of travel. Dream looks over at him and raises an eyebrow.
âCome again?â
Techno chuckles. âThe fire. Thatâs how Iâve been leading us.â He glances over over at him, his smile showing the hints of his sharpened canines. âDid you forget?â
It tends to slip Dreamâs mind that while he can sense magic and energy, Techno can smell it, among other things. Unlike him, the other hunterâs skill set lies in strength instead of mana. And insane perception with smell and eyesight. Where Dream has a heightened sixth sense, Techno has a heightened other five.
Dream attempt to make a snappy remark before the ground below him begins to shift. Both hunters widen their stances and brace themselves. This doesnât feel like a normal earthquake.
An arrow flies past Dreamâs head, barely missing his cheek. Out of the gloom rides at least six piglin warriors on hoglins holding crossbows with halberds on their backs. Dream pulls out his sword and readies an attack while Techno does the same with his great ax. Theyâve met plenty of piglin brutes on previous raids so this should be a piece of cake.
Another arrow comes flying and Dream rolls out of the way. He stands back up just as a hoglin begins to pass him. He takes the opportunity to attack, aiming at the beastâs legs instead of the rider. His sword strikes true which makes the mount collapse and send the piglin flying into the ground. He quickly runs over and stabs the creature in the neck before it can ready an attack. It squeals out in pain as itâs green blood sprays across the dirt.
âBehind you!â
Dream turns at Technoâs warning just in time to see a dismounted piglin racing towards him. The shock of his sword meeting the opponentâs halberd almost brings him to his knees. They were much stronger than any other piglins Dream has faced before, thatâs for sure. He pushes the brute back, taking a moment to regain his footing just as another piglin joins their battle. Dream turns to block the newcomerâs strike as well.
âTwo on one hardly seems fair,â he mutters through gritted teeth. He pushes the second piglin back in time to catch the first oneâs weapon once again.
âTry three on one!â Techno calls from a few feet away. Dream glances over in time to see Techno clash with a piglin, releasing his ax with one hand to grab the handle of his foeâs halberd, and jump behind him with the handle pressed against his neck. Any sounds are cut off as thereâs a loud crack of spine and neck bones breaking. Techno drops the corpse to the cavern floor.
The once silent cavern comes alive with the sound of metal on metal and boots kicking up dirt. Dream couldnât stop the grin from growing the longer the fight continued. Itâs been some time since a raid has posed some sort of challenge. Maybe getting stuck here wasnât the worst thing after all.
Thereâs a heavy thud and Dream sees a bloody piglin crash into the cave wall near him. He turns to see Techno wearing a matching grin, his eyes beginning to turn bloodshot and his clothes marked with a few sprays of blood. He turns back to his own fight, both of his opponents still relatively unharmed. Itâs time to to really start this fight.
Dream runs a few feet away from the piglins and switches his sword to his off hand. With his right hand, he spreads his fingers and aims it low to the ground. The energy that surrounds him beings to coalesce into a sphere of dark purple in front of him. The two piglins that were rushing towards him come to a halt. Ghostly clawed hands emerge from the sphere before heading straight for the now trapped brutes, the shadows around their feet holding them in place. Their cries ring out as claw after claw rakes across their body until nothing is left but bloody ribbons.
As Dream lowers his hand and exhales, his legs suddenly weaken from the giant expulsion of magic. He takes in a shaky breath and turns his attention to the last two survivors, just in time to see one get the drop on Techno.
âNo!â Dream runs over, but fails to stop the halberd from slicing down Technoâs back. The hunter calls out in pain at the same moment the piglin does from Dreamâs sword through itâs heart.
Somehow, Techno manages to not fall and stops the next incoming attack. Dream watches in astonishment as Techno kicks the piglinâs feet out from under them before slashing his ax across itâs throat. Itâs only as the chaos settles and the cave becomes quiet again that Techno falls.
Dream scrambles to catch him before he hits the ground. His free hand once again begins to glow with darkness, this time the shadows surrounding both him and Techno. He tries not to think about how deep the slice might be or how soaked his legs were starting to feel from his friendâs blood. Technoâs eyes are closed as if heâs merely sleeping.
âCâmon, buddy. Youâre not going to let just a piglin take you out,â Dream whispers through a choked throat. The hunter doesnât move. His eyes start to water as the reality begins to set in.
This canât be it, right? The most powerful hunter in the guild taken out by some D rank mob? The kind of hunter that could pick anyone in the world to be on his team but for some reason chose him? Against the kind of mob that he and said hunter would place bets on who could kill the most in a single raid ever since they were teenagers?
Dream shakes his head to rid himself of the cycle of increasingly depressing thoughts. The shadows around him grow as he grits his teeth and focuses harder. His necromancy based abilities can sometimes allow him to heal at a much greater cost than someone with plain healing magic. This combined with using his shadow claw ability leaves him with practically nothing against the boss. But it would be worth it if it brought Techno back to him.
âPlease.â He places his hand on the other manâs chest. âDonât leave me.â
Technoâs eyes shoot open and he quickly takes in air. Dream looses his grip to allow the hunter to sit up. He starts coughing and Dream places a hand on his back, noticing that the skin beneath is free of any wounds. He lets out the breath he didnât know he was holding as he waits for Techno to get his bearings.
âWhat took you so long?â Techno asks with a laugh, his voice raspy. Dream hesitates for a second before allowing himself a smile.
âWell if you had stayed closer to me, we probably wouldnât have gotten surrounded.â
Techno scoffs. âYouâre the one that charged in head first, like you usually do.â He groans as he attempts to get to his feet. Dream rushes over to give him a hand.
âCareful, I patched you up as best as I could, so itâs definitely not perfect.â
âWell, my insides are where theyâre supposed to be. Iâd say thatâs pretty good.â Techno sways a bit once heâs standing. âResting I can deal with later.â
Eventually, Techno manages to stand upright without any assistance. They both take a few minutest to pick over the bodies in search of treasure. Nothing stands out besides a a pouch with a few mana crystals. Dream pockets it for later as they begin their trek once again.
Thereâs still a boss to find.
***
An hour passes before Dream asks Techno if heâs sure heâs still good to fight the boss. It might be more beneficial to take a break or wait if the association would send in a rescue party. He knows the latter is less likely, but he still canât help hope they havenât screwed themselves over.
âIâm still playing with a full deck,â Techno replies, rolling his shoulder. âThey may have gotten the jump on me, but they hardly made a scratch. It was one lucky shot.â
âDoesnât mean it didnât tire you out somewhat.â Dream makes a point to do the hunter a once over. Heâs right; the only sign of any hits was the giant slash in the back of his shirt. The skin is still smooth underneath.
âNah.â
âMhmm.â
âDonât tell me you gave those guys all you had . . .â
Dream doesnât say anything as they continue their path. Heâs not physically tired, no. The weakness in his limbs isnât from the physical exertion from the fight. Heâll just be without spells in the next one. As long as the boss is weak in hand-to-hand, theyâll be able to go home. Getting at least Techno out of here alive is all that matters to him right now.
The red stone and dirt cave theyâve been in for the better part of the afternoon suddenly gives way to dark purple brick on all sides. The air here is even more scorching, now making it difficult to breathe. Their footsteps echo loudly all around them and down the infrastructure-like hallway. The bricks themselves seem to be glowing as well.
âNow I know weâre on the right path,â Dream attempts to whisper but still bounces off the walls back to him.
âI told you so.â
After another 15 minutes or so more of walking, the bricks begin to decay and turn almost black. The air becomes thick and reeks of charcoal and ash. It doesnât take a heightened sense of smell to know this is what Techno mustâve been smelling before.
An iron door suddenly appears before them. Dream place his hand on one side of the door while Techno touches the other. Without a single word, the two push together and release a steam blast right into their faces. Dream winces against the force and heat, pushing himself to continue to walk forward carefully, as the floor begins to tilt downwards.
A rumble from far below them shakes the ground, causing both hunters to lose their footing. The two fall to the ground and begin sliding down into a dark abyss. They fall what Dream estimates to be about 15 meters onto dirt once again. Torches on the side of the cavern begin to ignite, lighting up the area. And an enormous floating entity with black skeletal like features and three grinning skulls.
Dream rushes to his feet and readies his sword once again. He doesnât look for Techno, trusting that he made the fall as well. He barely any time to develop an attack plan before the monster rushes at him with a cry. Bracing himself, Dream begins sprinting towards the creature.
A small outcropping appears on his right, giving him the opportunity to use it as a ramp to land on one of the creatures head. He jams the sword into the top of the skull. He holds on tight as he places he hand on the bone and concentrates. The creature wails in pain as cracks begin to form under Dreamâs hand. The creature suddenly shoots itself straight up.
Quickly, Dream pulls out the sword and slides down the skull. He catches who he assumes to the collar bone and swings himself back up into a standing position. In the distance he can see Techno using his ax to slide down right head, causing the bone to split. From here, theyâre safe from the impact into the rocky ceiling. Even more cracks and splinters appear on the far left and right skulls. Wailing, the creature begins moving back down.
The two barely have time to leap before the monster slams itself into the ground. Dream gets back to his foot to look for both it and Techno. Dust clouds the cavern making it impossible to see anything. Then something flashes.
Dream runs towards the flashing of Technoâs ax but tries to stop as the flashing begins to rise in front of him. A shadow much bigger than Technoâs gets closer. He doesnât have any time to turn around before an explosion throws him into the air. He hits the ground, hard, and rolls a few feet before another explosion sends him flying again. Eventually, he hits the wall of the cave, his breath knocked out of him. His mouth tastes of blood and his lungs struggle to fill with air.
The dust finally begins to settle as the withered creature descends upon him. Frantically, he searches for Techno. He wants to know that at least his friend has a fighting chance. Otherwise, he would never forgive himself for allowing both of them to end like this.
A glowing red cloud of light begins to form behind the center skull as thunder crashes around them. Lightening cracks along the skull and through the rest of the bossâs body. From between the eyes forms a web-like crack across the front of the face. The crack spreads down to the skeletal body and the other two heads, causing a rain of of bone and rocks from the shaking ceiling. What looks like a red sun falls as well on top of the pile that was once the owner of the lair. As the glow dims, Techno stands from his crouched position. Dream begins to say something but the air still wouldnât leave his lungs.
Thankfully, Techno spots him and rushes over. Dream tries not to laugh at the scene parallels from only an hour before.
âSo you did use up everything, huh?â
Dream manages out a weak laugh. âCanât believe you had to call out the blood god for that one.â
âI wouldnât have had to if you werenât an idiot. I guess now weâre even.â
Techno places his hand on Dreamâs chest and Dream is surprised to see so much worry in his face. He didnât look that bad, did he? His lungs were finally starting to open up as the natural necromantic energy in his body starts their repairs. He carefully takes in breaths so he doesnât accidentally choke himself and cause his friend to worry even more. He begins to sit up.
âIâm fine now. Ready to be done with this place.â
Dream is helped to his feet and Techno allows him to lean in to him. Thereâs a rush of wind as the blue portal begins to open up right before their eyes. He canât help but breathe out a sigh of relief at the sight, letting his weight drop more into the hunter beside him. Techno doesnât hesitate to practically carry him. His kisses Dreamâs forehead.
Thank you to all our participants and we all look forward to seeing your creations!
Remember to tag this blog as well as your giftee so I can share everyone's works! <3 The tag this year is #rivalsduogiftexchange25. The AO3 collection is also here.
Again, thank you to this wonderful community and have a wonderful holiday! <3 <3
Title: Under the Light of the Moon
Fandom: DSMP
Pairing(s): Dreamnoblade
Authors Note: Hi @mytht18 I'm your giftgiver for the @rivalsduogiftexchange this year! Apologies for this taking so long - the holidays wound up being crazy and then this was longer than expected. I tried to include as many of your prompts as possible, but the focus here really is rivals hanging out under the moon lol. I had fun though and I hope you enjoy!
Anyway you can read below or on ao3 here/in the title
It starts with a message.
Two messages actually. Short, simple, and to the point.
Dream whispered: meet me in front of the prison. midnight.
Dream whispered: its important.
A message from Dream was the last thing Technoblade expected to see. They're not exactly on speaking terms right now. They should be, all things considered. But After getting him out, after Ranboo, after demanding his armor back with more force than necessary? Well Techno wasn't expecting to be contacted again. Their transaction was done and Dream doesn't deal in friends these days.
On some level Dream is the last person Technoblade wants to see right now. He would much rather be at home, enjoying a book or getting ready for bed. And yet here he is, trudging through the snow in the middle of the night, to get to the Greater SMP.
Techno blames the soulbond. It does weird things to a man.
"This better be good." He grumbles to himself, pulling his cloak tighter as a particularly strong gust of wind blows through the air. He loves the cold he really does. But this wind is ridiculous. Even chat is annoyed, grumbling in the back of his head.
The sound of his boots crunching the snow echos as Techno walks. It blends in with the sounds of the mobs that are somewhere in the woods - zombies and skeletons and strays that would happily kill him if given the chance. Techno doesn't really pay them any mind though. They're far off at the moment - kept away by the lighs he and Phil have put up. Besides, he stopped worrying about hostile mobs a long time ago. The only mobs that really worry him now are Withers. They had almost taken him out during Doomsday after all.
Techno scowls at the errant thought. The less he thinks about that day - one of the last good memories he has with his soulmate - the better.
He's almost at the portal when he hears something that's not a mob. He looks around, confused, before something bumps into his leg. When he looks down there's a small blob staring up at him. Techno feels his breath catch as he realizes what the little thing below him is.
"Hello there little one." Techno coos, kneeling down into the snow and offering an open palm to the little blob. It chirps happily, bouncing into Techno waiting hand. Techno can't help but smile as it nuzzles into his thumb.
Its not unusual to see Chats running around. They're weird things - lots of players have one but almost no two Chats are the same. But its not unusual to see them running around, happily following their chosen player and causing chaos. There's some exceptions of course - Techno's own voices are pretty confined to his head - but in general that's true.
No one had seen Dream's chat in ages. Early on they were apparently everywhere. But somewhere along the way they started showing up less and less. Technoblade has heard people say that that should have been the first sign that something was wrong with the admin. No one loses their Chat for no reason.
Techno can half agree with the sentiment. It should have been a sign something was wrong. He still doesn't know if he agrees that its because Dream is a monster.
He sighs softly, rubbing a thumb over what would be the blob's cheek. That gets a happy squeak in response. Chat coos at it whichâŠnow this is getting excessive.
"Alright that's enough from you guys." Techno waves his unoccupied hand, as if he can dispel his constant companions. All he gets for his troubles is more teasing. Techno rolls his eyes at them, instead focusing on the blob again.
"Ignore them. Is Dream waiting for me?" He gets a little head shake which both surprised and frustrates him. The entire reason he's out here is for Dream.
"Alright then. Do you know where he is then?" That question gets a nod and happy squeak. It hops out of his hand and away from the portal. Because of course it does. Techno pinches the bridge of his nose and takes a deep breath. He's keeping an open mind.
"Alright then." He follows for a bit until the blob seemingly gets tired. Completely understandable to Techno - it is incrediablly small. He places it on his shoulder, giving it a moment to get comfortable. A small smile tugs at his lips as it does so. He'll give Dream this, the blobs are pretty cute.
He continues walking now that he has his new companion. He feels a little lighter now. Like this might actually be a good idea.
That feeling lasts until he actually sees Dream, standing on the edge of the ocean in front of a fire. He's still a bit away - there's a whole beach between him and his soulmate. Techno thinks about saying something - calling out, asking why Dream wants to see him - but all the words catch in his throat.
Instead he watches his soulmate move around his small campsite. Dream almost looks like how he did before, all dressed in enchanted netherite. Someone more unforgiving than Technoblade might even say he was the same. That prison hadn't changed him at all. But Techno can see how different he is now. How the armor hangs off him. How slowly he moves.
Part of him wants to be - no part of him is - upset with Dream still. But the longer he watches Dream move around, the more and more irrational that feels.
Dream isn't paying attention to his surroundings apparently because he doesn't hear Techno walking up to him. Instead, Techno gets to watch Dream throw a book into the fire. Magic starts to swirl up around him - neon green - as Dream speaks Ender into the cold night air. Techno has seen Dream do this once before, back in the prison.
Dream's magic is beautiful, Techno thinks. The color reminds him of poison, but it wraps around Dream in a familiar, almost cute way. It curls around him almost as if it could protect him. Its lovely to watch.
By the time Techno actually reaches Dream the magic has faded away. Techno doesn't get a chance to speak before Dream turns, tossing a book at him. He barely leans out of the way in time, watching it whistle past him and land in the snow.
"Well," Techno stands, fixing his shirt. "Hello to you too Dream. Not gonna lie, didn't expect to see you here."
"Techno." Dream's eyes widen, fear and surprise plain on his face, before he schools it into something resembling annoyance. "What are you doing here?"
"Well funny story." Techno claps his hands together, "I was on my way to a meetup when I ran into this little blob who insisted I come this way. And as it turns out, the person I was supposed to meet is actually here preforming necromancy instead of our meeting spot."
Dream doesn't reply to that, instead choosing to scowl at the blob still on Techno's shoulder. Techno steps closer, into Dream's personal space. He leans down a bit so they're at eye level. "You know if you keep scowling your face will get stuck like that."
"Oh fuck off." Dream's face relaxes into a familiar annoyed look. He rolls his eyes, stepping away.
Only Dream doesn't get far. He takes one step, perfectly fine. But the second he puts his weight on the other foot he collapses. Techno isn't expecting it and can't move fast enough to stop Dream from collapsing into the snow, dangerously close to the fire.
"Shit." Dream groans as Techno kneels next to him.
"Are you alright?" Techno asks as he helps Dream turns over and sit up. He automatically starts brushing the snow off Dream's face. "What happened?"
"What do you think? My leg gave out." Dream huffs up at him. There's a cute, disgruntled look on his face. Techno pushes down the urge to do something stupid like kiss his nose. Its hard when all the voices are telling him to do just that. So much for them being mad at Dream.
"Your leg? What happened?" Techno repeats, partly so he can ignore his Chat. Its easier to ignore them when he has something to work on. He moves back a little, hands on Dream's ankles, looking between both legs. He can't tell immediately what's wrong.
"Leave it." Dream shifts, as if he's going to move out of Techno's hold. "I've got it."
"Oh I'm sure. And that's why you're in the snow right now."
"I literally got all the way here."
"And collapsed the first chance you got." Techno gently squeezes his ankle. He's tempted to take his gloves off, let Dream feel how much Techno cares, despite his anger. He won't cross that boundary though. Not until Dream does. "Dream. Let me help."
The blob hops off Techno's shoulder and onto Dreamâs torso. It makes a soft sound. Dream stares at it, then at Techno, and then back at the blob. It squeaks again and Dream sighs.
"Fine." Dream relents, relaxing his leg. "Its fine though."
"I'll be the judge of that. Calf or thigh?"
"Calf." Techno starts undoing the clasps of the buckles holding the armor in place. It comes off easily.
Techno takes a breath before he rolls the pants leg up. Dream is objectively too thin. How he doesn't just collapse all the time is beyond Techno. But its not how thin Dream's calf is that worries Techno right now. Instead it's the wicked looking gash traveling down the muscle. Techno twists his leg so he can get a better look. Its all red and irritated, in the beginning stages of an infection.
Realistically, a healing potion should take care of this. Although Techno doesn't know those even work on Dream anymore.
"You need salve and a bandage before this gets even worse." Techno states, looking back up at Dream. The admin is just staring at him. Techno's breath hitches as he watches Dream lick his lips. The silence hangs in the air between them.
"Dream?" Techno's voice is soft, but it shatters the quiet between them.
"I can take care of it."
"Obviously." Techno snarks back before his filter starts. He takes a deep breath. "Look. I can't in good conscience let you go running around like this. Let me patch you up and then you can go, ok?"
Frustratingly, Dream's face doesn't betray anything he might be feeling. All Techno can do is wait for Dream to run whatever calculations he's running in his head. But apparently the admin is taking too long before the blob chirps, jumping up to hit him in the face. The noise Dream makes is both surprised and offended. It makes chat erupt into hearts. Techno would chastise them if his own heart didn't just do a weird flip.
"I swear," Dream rubs at the little spot where the blob hit him. "Alright fine. I'll go. But just to get patched up."
"Just to get patched up."
Techno stands, fixing himself while Dream pulls himself back together. The admin stubbornly refuses help getting up. Techno doesn't push him. Some battles aren't worth fighting. For example, its not worth fighting Dream to help him clean up his supplies. Dream can do that himself without help. Instead, Techno busies himself making sure that the fire is properly out.
"Do you want me to carry you back to the cabin?" Techno asks once they're both ready. The glare Dream gives him could cut through obsidian.
"Alright alright." Techno puts his hands up in defeat. "At least let me help keep you upright then."
"Fine."
Its slow-going back to the cabins. Dream can't walk that fast with his leg to begin with, and Techno isn't going to rush him. By the time they finally get back, the moon is high in the sky and Dream is shivering. Techno helps Dream up the steps and onto the small bridge that connects his cabin to Phil's. He doesn't see a light on in his best friend's cabin. A small relief - he really doesn't want to explain this to the angel.
"Here." Techno undoes his cape, draping it over Dream's shoulders. "Wait here. I'll be back out in a little bit."
Dream just nods, leaning back against the railing. Techno doesn't want to leave him. He looks so small in his cloak. But Dream doesn't want to stay. And its not like Techno made himself inviting.
"Alright." Techno says as the silence becomes awkward. He would run a hand through his hair if it wasn't already braided. "Alright. Be right back."
He heads inside, closing the door behind him. He leans against the door for a moment, just taking a moment to collect his thoughts. Its not Dream's fault that things are weird between them. At least, not completely. Dream was supposed to come back after Techno broke him out. He would run around for a bit, confuse everyone, and circle back so that Techno could look after him.
It was Techno who pushed him away. Who demanded his stuff back. He was so angry and upset after watching Sam kill Ranboo. And he's sure Dream is involved with Ranboo somehow. He doesn't know how yet but he can feel it in his gut. He felt it on the way back, an accidental brush of hands that lead to Techno being overwhelmed with grief.
Chat yells at him, pulling him out of his little spiral. "Yeah yeah I'm going."
It takes Techno a hot minute to find everything he's looking for. He doesn't have a full thing of healing salve - he'll have to make more at some point. But he does have plenty of bandages. The wound doesn't look that bad, but Techno brings out disinfectant anyway.
"Sorry." Techno says as he opens the door, stepping back outside. "Took a second to - where did you get that?"
Dream is sitting on the floor, holding a brown mug, a similar one on the ground next to him. He looks up like a pig in the way of a minecart.
"IâŠPhil gave it to me?" Dream holds the mug close. "He just handed them to me?"
"Ah." Techno nods. He though Phil was asleep but apparently not. "Yeah he's weird like that."
"Always?" Dream looks at his mug like its poisoned. Fuck maybe he thinks it is poisoned.
"Yeah always." Techno says with a little laugh. He comes over, putting his supplies down before he sits. "What did he make?"
"Hot chocolate?" Dream swirls his cup.
"Sounds yummy." Techno reaches over, grabbing the mug on the floor and taking a sip. The hot chocolate is rich and velvety, still warm despite being in the freezing cold. He makes a pleased little sound before putting it back on the ground.
He can feel Dream watching him. When he glances back, Dream takes a tentative sip of his own drink.
"Its alright." Dream decides before he takes another sip. Techno laughs softly.
"I'm sure. Well while you sip that, lets sort out this leg."
Dream groans but gives Techno his leg. Techno gently rolls the pants leg up and frowns. The wound still looks bad. Its more irritated now from their walk.
"Alright. I'm going to disinfect this, then I'll get the salve on and we'll bandage it up." Techno explains, grabbing the disinfectant and a rag. "This will sting."
Dream hisses when the damp fabric touches the wound. Techno holds his leg loosely so that Dream can move. The last thing either one of them wants a broken leg at this point. Techno goes as quickly as he can, all things considered. He doesn't want to hurt Dream anymore than the admin has already been hurt. But once the wound is clean its easy enough to get the salve on and wrap it up. Techno has done this countless times before, for both himself and other people.
"Alright. There you go." He says once he's finished tying off the bandage. "All wrapped up."
He leans back, letting Dream move his leg. The admin twists his ankle left then right, an unreadable expression on his face.
"I should get going then." Dream says after a moment, when Techno has fixed his pants leg.
"Well you don't have to go right away. Finish your drink first." Techno sits across from him. His own hot chocolate sits next to Dream still, but that's fine. He'll take care of it later.
Dream continues to look at him, like he's trying to decide something. Then he sighs, moving over a bit and patting the stone beside him. "Come here."
Techno stares for a moment in disbelief before Chat yells at him, telling him to move. And he does, not scrambling over but close enough. He sits next to Dream and the admin curls up next to him. Techno tenses for a moment - like he did the first time Dream did this in prison - before he relaxes and lets Dream get comfortable.
He looks down at Dream. He's staring out over the yard, into the forest. Techno can't help but think of the last time they were curled up like this, back when they were in the prison. Yet Dream looks so different in some way. Logically, Techno knows that isn't true. It hasn't been that long since the prison break. Certainly not long enough for Dream to look drastically different.
Its the moonlight. It makes him look softer, turns blond and white hair into just soft white. The scars aren't as drastic. They're still there justâŠthe edge has been taken off.
Comfortable. He looks comfortable.
"Its beautiful, isn't it?" Dream asks softly, still looking out at the forest.
"Yeah." Techno agrees, eyes not leaving Dream's face. The admin blinks before he looks up, catching Techno staring.
"You're ridiculous." Dream pushes at his face. Overwhelming fondness and fear - Dream's emotions - come through at the contact.
"Yeah but you love that about me."
"Shut up." Dream rolls his eyes but leans against Techno again. Techno doesn't push, but he can't keep the smile off his face as they sit there. The silence is comfortable this time. They're just enjoying their time together, sipping their hot chocolate. If Techno is being honest with himself its pretty lovely. There were times - back in Pandora's Vault - that Techno dreamed of this. That he would be able to sit with his soulmate and just enjoy not being locked away. That they could enjoy a different kind of quiet. The one that comes with open air and forest instead of lava and obsidian.
They sit together until Dream goes to take another sip from his mug and curses. "I'm out."
"Oh." Techno takes a breath as he processes that. He did say that Dream should finish his drink before he left. But now that the moment is here, Technoblade doesn't want him to leave.
Dream seems to realize it too because he starts to move to get up. It takes him a moment but he does manage to get up on his own. Its as he's unclipping the cloak that Techno finds himself speaking.
"You know," Techno says, making Dream pause in his movements, "you should change the bandages and put on more salve in the morning."
"Ok?" Dream tilts his head, a confused look on his face.
"Well." Techno sits up a bit, clearing his throat. "I'd happily give you some but you see, I just used the last of it."
"Oh did you now."
"I did. So if you want to hang around, maybe crash on the couch, I could cook some more up in the morning and send you on your way?" With each word he can see Dream's face go from amused to unamused to something Techno can't read but has an undercurrent of anger. Technoblade doesn't wilt under it, but he does sit up completely.
There's an electric stillness in the air now - waiting for one of them to break now that the offer has been put out there.
Finally, Dream lets out a laugh - the sound breaking through the freezing air. "Fucking hells Techno really?"
"Whaaat?" Techno gives him a lopsided grin. He relaxes a bit, releasing the tension in his shoulders. "I mean it."
"Two days ago you wanted nothing to do with me so what's changed huh?" Dream levels him with a cold stare.
Techno takes a deep breath, pulling a leg close to his chest as he gathers his thoughts. Realistically, nothing has changed. Dream is still on the run, Ranboo is still dead and Techno is still grieving his friend. And yet, despite all that, Techno still wants him here. They're soulmates, but more than thatâŠ
"You're my friend Dream." Techno finally says as calmly as he can. Dream looks angry, but in the way that he could bolt at any minute. "Before anything we're friends first. I destroyed a country for you before I even knew we were soulmates. I got myself locked up with you because we're friends and I freed you for the same reason."
"And then I got my little brother killed, I get it." Dream rolls his eyes. "I'm not a charity case Techno."
"You're the only one who can bring Ranboo back then." If Dream wants this to be transactional, let him. Techno can work with that.
"Yeah well he doesn't want to come back. He's being really stubborn. I even tried with something of his and it didn't work." Dream furrows his brow like he's personally offended. Techno just nods. That explains why Dream was all the way up here then.
"Is that why you wanted me at the prison?" Techno asks softly. "Because that's where Ranboo would be resurrected?"
"I-Shut up." Dream cheeks turn a dusty pink as he looks away. He may be embarrassed, but Techno can't feel anything but fondness for his soulmate. Dream would send him all the way to the prison to make sure Ranboo wasn't alone. He still cares, somewhere deep beneath the trauma.
"Oh Dream." Techno stands - knees cracking from being on the floor in the cold for so long. Then he reaches a hand out. "Come over here for a second?"
Dream looks at the offered hand like it might bite him. WhichâŠok honestly valid, from what Techno has gathered about Dream's time in the prison.
"I'm not going to hurt you." Techno says softly, "I swear it on Phil's life."
Dream, hesitantly, takes his hand and lets Techno lead him over. They're in each other's space, again. Techno can feel the anxiety rolling off the blond even without the soulbond. But Techno wants to make sure this next part sticks. He gently brings Dream's hand up resting it against his cheek, making his soulmate gasp.
Dream's emotions aren't as overwhelming this time, but Techno can still feel them. Its embarrassment and anger mixed together with a healthy dose of fear and - just under that - a small current of hope. Techno hopes he's sending back the fondness and serenity he feels right now.
"Dream," Techno practically sighs his soulmate's name, "I don't know why Ranboo won't come back. Yes I miss him. He was my friend. But knowing that you're out there hurting won't make that pain go away."
Dream frowns at that, thumb brushing over Techno's respawn scar, but he doesn't say anything so Techno continues. "So yes, I want you here, even if its just for tonight. Because you're my friend and I do right by my friends. Even when they frustrate me."
"Except if they betray you. Use you."
"Well yeah obviously.But its not your fault he's dead. Pretty sure that's Sam's fault." Techno gives him a little smile. Techno doesn't know what he's going to do to Sam yet but it's going to be something. "And I don't think you trying to summon Ranboo back from the dead for no apparent reason other then people missing him is you using me."
Dream bites at his lips. Its a nervous habit, one Techno noticed him doing back in prison. He's probably doing his calculations again.
"Just for tonight?" Dream finally asks, making eye contact again.
"Just for tonight." Techno agrees. He's welcome to stay longer or come back when he needs a place to rest. Techno can admit that he basically has an open door policy at this point with how people come in and out of his house. But he'll settle for tonight right now.
Dream nods, like the confirmation finishes whatever internal computations he was doing. "Ok. Just for tonight then. But can we sit out here for a bit longer?"
"Yeah of course." Dream steps back so that Techno can sit again. As soon as he's settled, Dream plops himself between Techno's legs - back against his chest. His fingers on Techno's bare wrist provide a stream of nervousness and contentment.
"Comfortable?"
"More or less. you're warm."
"Its the piglin in me. Makes me run hot." Techno explains. Dream just hums like it confirms something before they lapse into another comfortable quiet. They can't stay out here too long - its freezing cold - but Techno can also appreciate being outside and not cooped up.
"You know I never thanked you." Dream says after a moment.
"Hm?" Techno tilts his head in confusion. Not that Dream can see that - he's looking up at the stars. "What for?"
"For breaking me out. I never thanked you soâŠthank you." Techno wants to argue with him. Say that no thanks are needed. That he would have done it anyway. But he can recognize the phrase for the olive branch that it is, so he doesn't. Instead he takes Dream's hand to give it a gentle squeeze.
"You're welcome." And Techno sincerely means every word.
"Told you the ice wasn't thick enough to skate yet you idiot"
My gift for @day-time-dream for the @rivalsduogiftexchange, 'role-reversal', sorry it took me so long, it's been a hectic holiday season, hope you like my take on your prompt :))
Thank you to all our participants and we all look forward to seeing your creations!
Remember to tag this blog as well as your giftee so I can share everyone's works! <3 The tag this year is #rivalsduogiftexchange25. The AO3 collection is also here.
Again, thank you to this wonderful community and have a wonderful holiday! <3 <3
Hi guys!!!! I had @pippocottontail for the gift exchange (@rivalsduogiftexchange)!!!!!!! I'm sorry it took a minute to get out I had quite the busy holiday season but I hope you enjoy I took the first two suggestions
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!!!!
Impossible
1083 words a rivals duo fic
It wasnât rare to find one dragging the other to the arena, in fact it was such a common thing that no one batted an eye.Techno would be irritated over chat or something a politician did, Dream would get upset about the state of his server or friends and a little while later one would drag the other off to de-stress. To any outsiders it looked like some sick game, one would be seething with rage and the other would goad them on further until gentle sparring turned into a blood bath followed by mocking statements while gentle hands wrapped bandages and wiped away blood. To any outsider it was sick and twisted but to them it was something sacred, to be able to not hold back and to let emotions run wild with no consequences, other than physical, was something beautiful to them. So hearing taunts, jeers, and swords clashing coming from the arena was not a rare occurrence.
However, it was a rare occurrence for them both to be angry. The day started like this, Dream woke up and was already in a bad mood. The muscles in his neck felt like they had been in a vice grip all night and for some unknown reason he could feel a headache coming on. The rest of the day was followed by minor inconveniences, stubbing his toe on the corner of a crafting bench, running out of gapples, his pickaxe breaking right before he finished mining a vein, but the straw that broke the camel's back was when he tripped up the stairs to the nether portal. With that simple stumble, that didnât even send him to the ground, the string that was his patience for the day ran out and he needed an outlet so off he went to find the only person who wouldnât complain about getting a sword to the throat.Â
Technos day had actually started off good. He fed the dogs, worked a little on his farm and overall chat was behaving. It was nice⊠until a certain someone decided to make his presence known. Techno wasnât an idiot he knows he doesnât have the greatest relationship with most of the people in the server but he would like to think that he can be civil enough with most, of course the exception to this thought came bounding up his path with a gold plated smile and a jagged scar running down his face. Quackity was spewing something about rights and wrongs and teaming up for the âgreater goodâ (whatever that meant) and honestly Techno was not paying attention but chat was and they were quickly splitting into factions, some arguing against him, some for, some calling for blood, others talking about something completely unrelated. The whole interaction was exhausting especially with all the overlapping noise and by the time Q had fled with his tail between his legs Techno was seeing every shade of Red imaginable and stalked off to find someone whose blood would match the shades.Â
Both were shocked when they met face to face on a familiar path but one glance was all it took to understand. They turned off the path and headed to the arena without a word, the rage was seeping out of every step and huff.
The arena wasnât anything special, it was a circular room with a sand floor. On the wall housed a variety of weapons and tools most were blunt and made of wood, nothing designed to do actual damage. They both decided to forgo the weapons this time around, instead choosing to get their anger out with their fists. They barely said a word to each other, taking their respective sides and circling, waiting for one to make the first move. If it had been a normal day Dream would have taunted, Techno would have laughed and their little dance would have begun but that's what would have happened instead it was quiet. Dream was staying light on his feet barely disturbing the sand beneath him, Techno was leaving indents and huffing slightly. Dream ever the inpatient cracked first, he made quick strides across the arena aiming for a jab followed by a right hook.Â
The game continued like that, quick steps followed by heavy ones, swings followed by jabs, grunting yelping, black and purple marks blooming across irritated skin, and blood mixing with the yellow sand they strode upon. After a few rounds it was Techno who broke first letting out a small laugh when he misstepped, it was downhill from there, a punch would be accompanied by a wide toothed smile, a stumble was escorted with incredulous laughter. Eventually they werenât really trying to hurt each other more so trying to tackle the other to the ground, Techno got the upper hand and they both went tumbling to the floor.
âGet off of me!â Dream laughed while he punched at Technos arms.
âHmmmmmâ Techno pretended to think for a moment, âon one conditionâ he stated, Dream made a vague committal hum before he continued, âadmit that Iâm a way better fighter than you.âÂ
âAbsolutely not!â Technos playful teasing would be met with a rough reminder that his balance wasnât the best as he was thrown off with an undignified yelp and what was once a fight where both opponents wanted blood turned into an impromptu wrestling match.
They would tire out eventually, limbs sore from fighting and faces red from smiling. They would help each other up off the floor and help patch each other up to the best of their ability, Techno would tease and Dream would push back but there wasnât any true malice in it, there never was with those two. They would take turns sipping from a health potion and when a comfortable silence fell across the two Techno would suggest Dream comes over for dinner, Dream would offer no resistance to the offer and throw in a joke about how Techno didnât need to fight in order to invite him over, then they would head on their merry way to a cabin in the snow the troubles of the day having long since melted away.
See it wasnât rare to find the two in the arena, it wasnât rare to see them beating the shit out of each other, it was rare to find them both angry but it was impossible to find them upset in the aftermath. The walk home was always filled with kindness and laughter.
this is written for the lovely and amazingly skilled @nekioe !!!!! i couldnât resist taking up on that hurt/comfort and i hope that the bitter still tastes sweet! happy holidays and especially happy new year!!
aaand humongous shout out to @rivalsduogiftexchange for running the event âĄ
This is my gift to you for @rivalsduogiftexchange :3 Hope you like it!
I decided to draw something for a post prison canon fix it au where punz (and dream) are secret members of the syndicate. A couple months after the prison break, Techno, Dream, and Punz have a calm day out in the artic with their horses :3
(One of ur prompts were "your favorite au" but i couldn't decide on any so i uno reversed and asked what ur favorite au was >:33)
