9. Sugar Daddy *2
Yes, I'm a huge fan of the sugar daddy trope—the age gap combined with the power dynamic is exactly my thing (as for the size difference, we already have that in technodream). Anyway, I was lying in bed yesterday and came up with two versions.
Version One: Techno as the Sugar Daddy
Techno, a (relatively) young CEO, is at his wit's end dealing with his family's pressure to get married and snide remarks from his industry peers. In a moment of madness, he listens to Wilbur's terrible advice and starts scrolling through a gay dating app. The more he swipes, the more he thinks he's lost his mind—until he suddenly comes across Dream's photo. He thinks he looks pretty good, and notices it's a newly registered account (plus, he likes playing Minecraft—good taste). This means there's a high probability he isn't some seasoned player or scammer. Driven by some inexplicable impulse, he swipes right (is it left or right? I have no idea), and they match.
On the other side, Dream is actually quite poor. He had no intention of using a dating app; he sees himself as just a broke college student, already overwhelmed with school and part-time jobs, with no energy for romance. However, some of his "mean" friends (Dream's friends here fall into two categories: true bros like Sapnap and George, and people like Quackity who act like friends but actually look down on him and mock him, yet Dream still hangs out with them) took a secret photo of him and set up the account. Dream finally discovers it and is just about to delete it when, by total coincidence, he swipes onto Techno's photo (which Wilbur also uploaded; Wilbur set up the entire account without asking first). It's love at first sight—holy crap, he's so handsome—and he can't help but swipe right. To his shock, they actually match.
After matching, both of them felt incredibly awkward. It was Dream who finally plucked up the courage to explain that his friend had registered the account for him without his permission, and he didn't want to waste the other's time. Seeing Dream's sincerity, Techno felt a spark of goodwill toward him. He asked about Dream's personal situation, and upon learning that Dream was genuinely broke, Techno thought for a moment and proposed a deal: Dream would act as his fake boyfriend in exchange for money, and Techno would provide for his food, clothing, and travel expenses whenever necessary. Subconsciously wanting to lighten the mood with a joke, Dream asked if this counted as being "kept." Techno was taken aback; he hadn't actually thought of it that way, but after considering it, he figured there was nothing wrong with that description. Besides, he really needed a fake boyfriend to get people off his back, and such an opportunity might not come again, so he simply said yes. Dream wasn't originally keen on the idea of being a kept man, but the offer was just too good to refuse—plus, he had a younger brother (Tubbo) to support. In the end, he gritted his teeth and agreed.
How should I put this… actually, when it comes to "sugar daddy" tropes, I usually prefer stories with a physical relationship, but it's obvious these two weren't aiming for that at the start, so (disappointed).
Anyway, once the agreement was reached, Techno asked Dream for an in-person meeting at his company. Dream didn't understand why at first, but after giving his name to the receptionist, the staff led him all the way to the CEO's office on the top floor. It was only then that Dream realized—holy crap, wait, this is a real arrangement, and this guy is loaded…!!! Techno was also quite embarrassed; he never imagined he’d do something like this. Furthermore, he rarely showed his true face to anyone outside high society. Dream was likely the first person from such a different social class to know what he actually looked like, so it was just very awkward. After an awkward greeting, Techno decided to get straight to the point and handed Dream a drafted paper agreement. Dream nervously took it and looked it over, only to find that he really just needed to play the boyfriend role when necessary; it wasn't the physical kind of arrangement he had imagined (though I actually want to see that). Then, looking closer—holy crap—Techno had even given him an internship position??? This is a top 100 national enterprise??? Seeing Dream’s eyes widen, Techno explained that he had seen his resume and done a background check; he felt Dream was talented and hardworking, so why not come in for an internship? At that moment, Dream felt that even if he really had to sell his body, he’d be fine with it.
After that, you can just fill in the plot yourself. For example, Techno takes Dream to high-society banquets (Dream’s worldview is shattered), where some people can tell at a glance that Dream is a "pretty boy" kept by the Blood God and start making snide remarks. Dream is used to being mocked by his "friends," but Techno can't stand it. He firmly states, "This is my partner," then puts an arm around Dream’s waist and walks away (Dream: He’s so cool). Or maybe someone Techno previously ruthlessly bullied/defeated tries to drug him, and Dream—feeling grateful for how well Techno has looked after him—takes the initiative to help Techno "resolve" it (whatever, they have to make out at least once!!), and so on. Basically, it’s the classic trope of a mutually beneficial relationship gradually developing into true feelings (with a few more rounds of sex in between)(yeah those are the main points ngl).
After a while, those "friends" discovered that Dream was suspected of being a "kept man" and started mocking him for it. Dream had been keeping it a secret, but more importantly, he couldn't stand others portraying Techno as some lecherous old man (even though he was indeed about ten years older). The others ragebaited, and Dream couldn't help but blurt out that Techno was his boyfriend. The group then jeered, saying that if he had the guts, he should bring his boyfriend to the classmate party in a few weeks to show him off, before walking away. Knowing the truth, Sapnap and George were worried, asking why he took the bait so easily—normally, no one brings outsiders to a classmate party, and those people were clearly just looking for trouble. Although Dream regretted it, he had to admit he had actually fallen for Techno. He intended to handle it himself, but Tubbo somehow found out and took it upon himself to text Techno, who was at the top of the contact list. When Techno asked Dream about it, Dream was embarrassed and told him not to worry about it. But how could Techno not care?
That day, he dressed up like a nerd (tbh, he was actually being himself; that's just how he dresses at home) and showed up to play the part of Dream's boyfriend. Seeing that Dream actually brought someone—and a nerd at that—the group mocked him even more relentlessly. Techno, accustomed to the hypocrisy of high society, remained unfazed. After finishing the meal (he even waited until the meal was over, because why waste free food?), he pulled out a ring. Others: ??? Dream: !!!?????? Is there even a need to ask? Techno had obviously caught feelings long ago; this was a total freebie. Dream lost his composure on the spot and nearly fainted (in a good way). The others still thought it was all a pretentious act. A few days later, Dream even dropped out of university, and everyone mocked him, saying he was too ashamed to show his face. Then, a few weeks later, during a live televised press conference for Blood God Tech's new technology, they saw Dream—the project lead who hosted the entire event. He said that going to school was a waste of time and that self-studying was much faster.
While some people are still dragging their feet on their thesis deadlines, Dream is already working hard, carving out his own path and earning a promotion. It has absolutely nothing to do with his status as the CEO's spouse. Really, it doesn't. He's just here to work (most of the time).
Version Two: Dream as the Sugar Daddy
Basically, Dream became a boss at a young age and was under immense pressure facing criticism and targeting from all sides. During a secret visit back to his alma mater, he saw Techno absolutely dominating on the sports field (a nerd, but powerful—so strong it was breathtaking). He had to admit it was love at first sight. He learned from his old professor that Techno had chosen the English major—the same one Dream wanted to pick but gave up on halfway through—and that his grades were exceptionally good. After hearing a bunch of stories about Techno's achievements, the more he heard, the more he wanted to pursue him. To be honest, he practically idolized Techno, but due to his status and age, he felt there was no way to court him normally. Sapnap and George then joked, "Why don't you just sugar daddy him?" Dream, whose brain was functioning slowly after a week of no sleep, thought, "Holy crap, great idea," and he actually went and did it.jpg
SNF: Holy crap, dude, you're actually serious?
Techno was initially bewildered and socially anxious when he was first approached in the café. After listening to the other man talk for ages, only for him to finally confess that he wanted to keep Techno as a "sugar baby," Techno nearly bolted on the spot. However, using his basic knowledge of psychology, Techno calmed down and realized that Dream didn't seem like those arrogant, self-important big shots; in fact, he looked almost pitiful (those dark circles under his eyes were impossible to hide). Techno didn't quite know what he was thinking, but in a momentary lapse of judgment, he agreed. At first, he kept making excuses for himself, saying he only sympathized with the guy because he looked so pathetic—then he saw the bank notification on his phone and thought, holy crap, being a kept man is great.
Even though it was technically a "sugar" arrangement, every time Dream called Techno over, it was just to have Techno accompany him—going for walks, watching movies, playing video games, or just chatting. it was purely dating; sex was never even mentioned. After being called over a few times, Techno realized what was going on: he was basically there to be a "comfort pig." Eh, whatever, he was getting paid anyway, so who cares. But it followed the usual trope—because these were the only times Dream could truly relax and show his genuine, everyday self, Techno gradually started to catch feelings (meanwhile, Dream had fallen at first sight and was already deep in it).
One time, while Techno was in the library reading The Art of War, he suddenly got a call from Dream’s phone. When he picked up, it was Bad. Apparently, Dream had been pressured into drinking too much at a high-society party and wasn't doing well. Bad couldn't bear to see him being picked on anymore, so he contacted Dream’s pinned contact to come pick him up. Techno went to get him immediately, only realizing halfway there: Wait, did he just say I’m the pinned contact? When he finally got to him, Techno couldn't help but frown—just how much had they forced him to drink? He immediately took Dream back to his house. The drunken Dream was already drifting in and out of consciousness and thought Techno was a hallucination. With no filter left, he blurted out everything—how much he liked and admired Techno, and how he felt he was a terrible person who didn't deserve Techno at all. As Techno listened, he first realized that his feelings weren't unrequited, and second, wondered why Dream was bashing himself again. Techno was actually the one who admired Dream for achieving so much at such a young age and being able to handle so much external pressure. Finally reaching his limit, Techno leaned in and kissed him (the smell of alcohol was really strong). Dream was still dazed, and Techno figured there was no point in talking to him in this state, so he just stripped Dream's clothes off and tossed him onto the bed (and then realized for the first time that Dream’s physique was… really something) (but he didn't do anything else).
The next morning, Dream woke up with a massive headache and was confused to find himself at home. He walked out of his room to see Techno sitting at the dining table reading a book. Techno said, "Your friend called me to bring you home. You smelled too much like booze yesterday, so I just played Minecraft on your computer all night." Dream felt incredibly embarrassed that Techno had seen him in such a pathetic state. He sat down and had just taken two bites of breakfast when Techno suddenly said, "I want to end this relationship." Dream nearly choked to death. At first, Dream wanted to ask if he had done something wrong, but then he thought about it and figured it made sense—the relationship had started on his own unreasonable whim anyway, so it was normal for the other person to want out. One look at Dream’s expression and Techno knew he was overthinking again. After a moment of hesitation, Techno squeezed his eyes shut, opened them, and blurted out, "I like you. Can we start a normal relationship as a couple?" Dream: "…Huh???"
In short, happiness just came so suddenly. Yeah, it's really wonderful.