Work Text:
“Hurry up, we’re gonna miss it.”
“F-fuck you, you o-overgrown pig!”
Technoblade rolled his eyes as he watched Dream’s trembling form trudge onward. Despite the clear skies and crisp but not unbearable cold, Dream was bundled up like he was about to march into a blizzard. Three coats, a scarf wrapped so tightly it could choke him, gloves, and a hat that covered nearly all his hair. And yet, he was still freezing.
Techno, on the other hand, looked perfectly comfortable in a light jacket and his usual nonchalant stance. He shot Dream an amused glance, barely containing a smirk.
“You’re ridiculous, you know that? It’s like ten degrees outside, and you look like you’re preparing for the apocalypse.”
“I’m COLD, alright?” Dream snapped back, his teeth chattering. “During summer, you’re the one who turns into a sweaty, exhausted mess and lie in front of a fan all day like a dog. You’re practically dying when it gets slightly warm.”
Techno just gave him a smug grin and crossed his arms, leaning casually against a nearby lamp post. “Yeah, sure, just keep playing the cold victim. It’s adorable.”
“Alright, alright, you two.” Phil stepped in, breaking up the banter. He looked at Dream, taking pity on the guy who looked ready to collapse from the cold. “I’ll go buy some hot chocolate. Wait here.”
“T-thank you, P-Phil!” Dream stammered, his eyes lighting up with the mention of the deliciously warm drink. He dramatically adjusted his layers as though he could somehow trap more warmth. “See, s-someone here is nice to me!”
“Uh-huh,” Techno said, trying his hardest not to laugh at how ridiculous Dream looked. “Next time, we’ll get you some electric blankets too.”
“Ugh, why did Phil e-even want to come here early? Especially with y-you of all people,” Dream muttered, shivering even more dramatically than before. His teeth chattered as he crossed his arms, clearly not happy about the situation.
Techno rolled his eyes but kept his sarcastic grin in place. “Because he’s the nice one, unlike some people I know,” he said, nudging Dream with his elbow, and though the gesture was meant to annoy. It only made Dream tense, his body freezing more from the motion.
Techno sighed, not wanting to admit that he actually felt a bit bad for him. “Maybe you should just–”
Before he could finish, Dream yelped as the crowd shifted, a sudden shove from behind sending him stumbling. He lost his footing, and before he could fall, Techno reacted quickly, grabbing his arm to steady him. But as he did, their hands connected, and just as the first light on the Christmas tree flickered to life, a golden string materialized, stretching between them.
Dream’s breath hitched as he looked down at their joined hands, eyes widening in disbelief. He tried to pull away, but the string tugged back, refusing to let him go. His heart skipped a beat. “What the hell…?”
Techno, equally stunned, looked down at the glowing thread connecting them. His usual calm demeanor faltered for a second, brows furrowing. “What just happened?”
Before Dream could say anything, Phil’s voice rang out from behind them. “I don’t believe it…You two actually did it.”
Dream and Techno both spun around to find Phil standing there, a wide grin on his face as he held up the two cups of hot chocolate. The crowd continued to bustle around them, oblivious to the strange, glowing thread between the two.
“Phil?” Techno asked, his voice tinged with confusion and slight worry. “What’s going on?”
But Phil’s grin only grew, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You two–you two–are tied together by fate now. Oh, prime, this is rich!”
“Stop laughing! What is this?!” Dream hissed, his face turning a shade of red as he furiously tried to yank his hand away. But no matter how hard he pulled, the glowing, golden string remained, stretching but never breaking.
Techno raised an eyebrow, looking down at their hands still connected by the shimmering thread. He let out an incredulous laugh, though his voice was tinged with disbelief. “This is...this is ridiculous.”
Phil, still grinning like a cat who’d just caught a canary, took a step closer. “I guess fate had its own plans for you two.” He sipped his hot chocolate nonchalantly, clearly enjoying their discomfort. “Legend says that if two people hold hands under the first light of Christmas, they’re tied together for life. Guess you’re stuck with each other now.”
Dream’s eyes widened, panic rising in his chest. “For life? Wait, you’re telling me that this thing–” He jerked his hand toward the golden thread. “Is here to stay?!”
Techno, trying to maintain some semblance of composure, glanced down at their hands. “Well, this is great. Just great,” he muttered, his voice laced with sarcasm, though the hint of uncertainty was still there. He took a step back, tugging his hand to see if the string would break, but it remained firm, an unbreakable connection between them.
Dream continued to yank at it, frustration clearly mounting. “I’m going to kill you, Techno. This is all your fault!” His words were sharp, but there was an undercurrent of embarrassment in his tone.
Phil laughed harder, clearly enjoying the chaos. “Well, looks like you two have some work to do, huh? At least it’s not all bad. Might even grow on you.” With a wink, he turned to leave, still snickering to himself. “I’ll let you two figure it out. Try not to kill each other.”
As Phil disappeared into the crowd, Techno and Dream were left standing there, still tethered together by the glowing string. The Christmas lights twinkled overhead, casting a gentle glow on the strange bond between them.
Dream let out a frustrated growl. “This is so messed up.” He crossed his arms, glaring at Techno as if it were somehow all his fault.
Techno, although amused, couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of…responsibility? Was that what this was? “I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready for lifelong commitment,” he said dryly, though a small part of him felt an odd warmth at the idea of being tied to Dream. “Well, looks like we’re stuck together. Not that I’m complaining.”
Dream shot him a side-eye, clearly trying to suppress a groan of frustration. “This is a horrible Christmas.”
Techno chuckled, his usual grin returning as he looked over at Dream. “Maybe not that bad. At least you’re not freezing anymore.”
Dream paused a few moments before snapping his head towards where Phil had left. “No! He didn’t give me my hot chocolate! Phil, come back!” He was already stepping in the direction Phil had gone, desperate for the warmth and comfort the drink promised.
Techno raised an eyebrow, watching Dream’s frantic search with amusement. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”
Dream shot him a glare over his shoulder. “You’d be ridiculous too if you were freezing your ass off while an idiot pig is smugly standing there, not caring that you’re about to turn into a human popsicle.”
Techno shrugged. “I don’t know, being this cold is kind of nice.” He stretched slightly, basking in the chilly air that was comfortable for him but clearly not for Dream. “But yeah, you could use that hot chocolate. That’ll probably save you from frostbite.”
Dream groaned and turned back, stalking to a nearby bench in frustration. He slumped down dramatically, pulling his scarf tighter and muttering curses under his breath. The string between them pulsed softly, an ever-present reminder of their current predicament.
Techno sighed, looking over at Dream, feeling a strange mix of amusement and a hint of...concern? He wasn’t sure. It was all so odd, this fate stuff, and it definitely wasn’t something he could have predicted. Still, it wasn’t like he or Dream could go anywhere now without the other, so they might as well make the best of it.
“That’s your own fault,” Techno said, trying to push away the weird feeling in his chest as he watched Dream fidget with his scarf. “You should’ve layered better.”
Dream huffed, then looked back up at Techno, his eyes still sharp despite his frustration. “Oh, yeah, because I should totally take fashion advice from the guy who thinks looking like a deadbeat hobo is stylish.”
Techno’s grin widened. “I’m just ahead of the trends, Dream. You wouldn’t understand.”
Dream raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, well, I might understand a little better if you were wearing actual clothes instead of…Gah! I can’t think! I’m so fucking cold!”
Techno rolled his eyes, his amusement clear despite Dream’s obvious distress. “You’re really dramatic, you know that?”
Before Dream could respond, Techno grabbed his arm, dragging him toward one of the nearby stands where a vendor was selling warm drinks. Dream sputtered, trying to yank his arm back. “Wait, what are you doing?”
“You’re not exactly a joy to be around when you’re freezing your ass off,” Techno muttered, ignoring Dream’s protests as he continued pulling him along.
When they reached the stand, Dream immediately realized something. “Oh...uh…” His eyes darted down to the pocket of his jacket, then back up at the counter. “Shit. I…I forgot my wallet.”
“Of course you did.”
Dream groaned, looking like he might just collapse from both the cold and the sheer frustration of the situation. “I swear, it’s like the universe hates me today. I was all prepared for Christmas lights and hot chocolate, but nooooo…”
Techno sighed, already digging into his own jacket pocket and pulling out some cash. “Fine, fine. I’ll get you your damn drink. You owe me.”
Dream blinked, his annoyance momentarily replaced by confusion. “You’re buying it for me?”
Techno shrugged, shoving the money across the counter. “Don’t get used to it. It’s just…you’re annoying, but I guess I can’t let you die from hypothermia on Christmas.”
The vendor handed Techno the drink, and Dream took it with a look of mild disbelief. “Okay…but just so you know, this is definitely not a ‘I owe you one’ situation. I’m still pissed.”
“Sure, Dream,” Techno said with a grin, taking his own drink from the vendor. “Whatever you say. Now, drink up before you freeze to death. Or do I have to carry you back to my place?”
Dream flushed, finally taking a sip of the hot chocolate, the warmth quickly spreading through him. “You’re an ass, but I guess I’ll take it.”
Techno just chuckled, leaning against the nearby stand, his gaze flickering down at the faintly glowing golden string between them. It was still there, stretching slightly with each step they took, a constant reminder that something had changed between them. And despite the mocking words, the teasing, the cold…Techno couldn’t help but feel that this weird little connection was…kind of nice.
“Guess we’re stuck together for a while,” Techno said, trying to sound nonchalant, but the underlying truth hung there between them. The strange golden string, glowing faintly, was more than just a weird twist of fate. It was a sign of something neither of them fully understood yet.
Dream took another sip of his hot chocolate, clearly trying to ignore the way the string pulsed. “Yeah awhile.” He shot Techno a half-glare. “This sucks.”
“Oh, I know,” Techno replied, his grin widening as he looked at Dream. “But you might want to start getting used to it, Dream. We’re kind of tied together now, literally.”
“Ugh, whatever. I’m going home,” Dream muttered, taking a step back, clearly done with this weird, glowing connection between them. He turned away, heading in the opposite direction.
But before he could get more than a few feet away, the string tugged him back. It was forceful and yanked him in the opposite direction. Dream yelped, stumbling and in turn dropping his drink as the invisible force snapped him back to where Techno was standing.
Techno couldn’t help but laugh, a deep, almost amused chuckle rumbling in his chest. “Nah, we’re going back to my cabin.”
Dream’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? No! I want to go home! You’re not–”
But Techno wasn’t listening. Without warning, he stepped forward and, in one smooth motion, hoisted Dream over his shoulder. Dream instantly started thrashing, fists pounding against Techno’s back as he kicked and twisted in an attempt to break free. “Put me down! What the hell, Techno?! I’m not–! I’m not going with you!”
Techno smirked, his grip on Dream steady as he walked forward, ignoring the angry protests. “You’re not getting out of this. The string’s not gonna let you, buddy.”
“I don’t care! I’m not going to your stupid cabin, you–!” Dream’s voice was muffled by the fabric of Techno’s jacket as he continued to cuss and slam his fists against Techno’s back in frustration.
Techno chuckled again, the sound rich with amusement. “Nice try, but I think you’ll be more comfortable at my place. Just relax, Dream. I’m sure this will be…fun.”
Dream kicked his legs again, futilely attempting to get some leverage to escape, but the string tugged again, almost as if agreeing with Techno. He groaned in exasperation, slumping in Techno’s hold. “You’re a pain in the ass.”
“Yeah, I know,” Techno replied, completely unfazed. “But you’re stuck with me. You really should get used to it.”
Despite the squirming and the curses that Dream continued to shout, Techno kept walking. A part of him felt…oddly content with the situation, even though he’d never admit it aloud. There was something kind of nice about this connection, about how no matter how much Dream protested, he couldn’t deny they were both bound now.
“Let me go, Techno!” Dream continued to shout, his voice now slightly less angry and more...resigned. “I swear to prime, if you don’t stop, I’m gonna–”
Techno looked at the squirming bundle over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow. “What are you gonna do, Dream? You’re stuck. Literally.”
Dream huffed, leaning his head back and staring at the sky as he settled, giving in to the inevitable. “This is the worst Christmas ever.”
Techno laughed again, the sound softening just a little. “Maybe for you. But I’m having a blast.”
With a deep, defeated sigh, Dream stopped struggling. His shoulders slumped in resignation, and he let out a long, miserable groan. “This is so stupid…”
Techno felt Dream’s body go limp, his weight relaxing across his shoulder. Techno looked down and smirked, clearly amused, but a small flicker of something softer passed through his gaze.
“Well, looks like you finally gave up,” Techno said, his voice lightly teasing, though it had a hint of satisfaction. “Good choice.”
Dream didn’t respond. He was too busy wallowing in his frustration and self-pity. His shoulders were still tense, but there was a deep, sullen sadness in his expression. And then he remembered the hot chocolate.
With a sharp inhale, Dream’s face twisted in a look of bitter regret. “Oh god, I dropped my drink!” The cup had slipped from his hand when he tried to walk away. “No! Not my hot chocolate!” His voice cracked, and for a brief moment, the frustration in his tone was so raw it almost sounded like a child throwing a tantrum.
Techno couldn’t help but laugh at the dramatic turn. It was almost endearing how much Dream cared about a simple cup of milk and chocolate. “It’s just hot chocolate, Dream. It’s not the end of the world.” But even as he said that, he knew he was lying a little. Dream was absolutely miserable, and Techno couldn’t help but feel a little bad about it.
Dream groaned, his face falling even more, if possible. “It was the best part of my night…” He muttered under his breath, clearly regretting his earlier frustration. “Now I’m cold, tied to you with fate’s stupid string, and without my drink.”
Techno rolled his eyes but softened his grip just a little as he carried Dream, trying to ease some of his distress. “Well, at least you’ve got me to keep you warm now,” he said, giving Dream an almost comforting tone, though his words still had the usual edge of teasing.
Dream sighed dramatically, throwing his head back as if resigning to the whole situation. “This is the worst Christmas ever.”
Techno chuckled. “You’re really milking this, huh?”
“Well, it’s your fault,” Dream shot back, though there wasn’t any real heat behind the words. “You made me drop it.”
Techno gave him an exaggerated, mocking look. “I mean, if you were more careful–”
Dream groaned again, cutting him off. “Stop talking. I’m too tired to argue.”
A moment of silence passed between them, the only sound being Dream’s soft, frustrated muttering as Techno walked them both back to the cabin. Dream’s cold fingers were now tucked into the warmth of Techno’s jacket, and for the first time in hours, he didn’t feel like he was freezing to death. Techno was a furnace. His body heat radiated, and Dream couldn’t help but lean into it a little, even though it annoyed him to do so.
Finally, they reached the cabin, and Techno gently plopped Dream down onto the couch. Dream let out a small yelp as he hit the cushions, but before he could protest, he immediately grabbed the thick blanket that was draped over the back of the couch and wrapped himself in it like a burrito.
Techno, meanwhile, took a moment to observe him, his eyes glancing over Dream’s muffled form, now snuggled into the warmth of the blanket. It was almost funny how Dream, this intimidating figure, could look so small and vulnerable in that moment.
Seeing Dream’s obvious discomfort, Techno rolled his eyes, a teasing smirk forming on his face. “You’re lucky I’m a nice guy,” he muttered to himself as he walked over to the fireplace. Dream didn’t answer, but Techno knew Dream was too preoccupied with the warmth he was slowly beginning to feel to say anything.
Techno pulled a few logs from the pile beside the fireplace and began stacking them with practiced ease. The flames crackled to life as soon as he struck his flint and steel, the orange glow reflecting off the walls of the cozy room. The heat from the fire combined with the warmth of the blanket seemed to finally ease some of the tension in Dream’s posture.
Dream’s muffled voice came from behind the blanket. “I hate you.”
Techno chuckled as he carefully adjusted the fire. “Yeah, I’m sure you do.” He turned, glancing at Dream, who was still wrapped up tight. “But you’re not freezing your ass anymore, right?.”
Dream peeked his head out from under the blanket, just enough for his eyes to show. “I’m still cold. Just…not as cold.”
Techno grinned, stepping back from the fireplace. “Well, that's progress.”
Dream sighed deeply, his head sinking back into the soft pillow. “Fine. Maybe I can admit it–this Christmas wasn’t all bad.”
Techno huffed. “Oh? So now you’re admitting you’re actually enjoying this?”
“No,” Dream snapped immediately. “But at least I’m not crying about my drink anymore.”
Techno couldn’t help but chuckle, the sound light and warm in the quiet of the cabin. “Yeah, that was pretty dramatic. But you’re welcome. I guess I did save your night.”
“Just for that I’m gonna start complaining again. I drooopped it!”
Techno sighed. “Oh, here we go. You were fine five seconds ago, and now you’re gonna whine about it again?”
Dream huffed dramatically, pulling the blanket tighter around himself as if it would shield him from the world. “I mean, you didn’t drop it, so you wouldn’t understand the pain. My drink. Gone.” He gave Techno a pointed look, his eyes full of mock indignation. “It was the best thing about this entire trip.”
Techno chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m sure it was life-changing.”
Dream let out a long, exaggerated sigh, flopping dramatically back against the couch. “Don’t even joke. You have no idea how miserable I am.”
Techno crossed his arms, leaning against the nearby wall with an amused grin. “Maybe if you weren’t so busy getting worked up over a hot chocolate, you wouldn’t be so miserable.”
“I can’t help it!” Dream snapped, sitting up again to glare at Techno. “It wasn’t just any hot chocolate, okay? It was perfect. And now it’s gone, like everything else in my life.”
Techno raised a teasing eyebrow. “Oh, now it’s a tragic tale.” He chuckled again, his voice a low, affectionate mockery. “Well, if it makes you feel better, I have some cocoa powder–”
“Yes! Yes! Please, please, please,” Dream pleaded as he almost fell off the couch.
Techno paused at Dream's sudden enthusiasm. "Hold on, hold on, you're really that desperate?" he teased, raising his hands in mock surrender as Dream practically bounced in his seat.
"Yes, yes, I am," Dream replied eagerly, practically vibrating with excitement. "I need it. I need to make up for my loss."
Techno shook his head, chuckling under his breath as he walked toward the kitchen. "Fine, fine. But just know, this isn't going to be anywhere near as good as the one you dropped."
Dream huffed and dramatically flopped back on the couch. "I don't care. As long as it’s hot and chocolatey, I’ll take it."
Techno returned a few moments later, holding a mug with a steaming, thick layer of cocoa powder floating on top. "Don’t say I never did anything nice for you."
Dream reached for it eagerly, wrapping his hands around the warm mug. "This is going to be the best drink of my life," he said, eyes gleaming with relief.
Techno leaned back against the counter, watching Dream sip it with a satisfied look on his face. "Glad I could save your night. Just don’t start crying again if you spill it," he said,chucking lightly.
Dream looked at him with a mixture of exhaustion and fondness, his mouth quirking up slightly. "If I spill this one, I swear you’re never hearing the end of it." He took another sip, savoring the warmth that spread through him.
Techno couldn't help but smile, his eyes softening as he watched Dream. It wasn’t the perfect hot chocolate, but in the end, maybe it didn’t matter that much. The night had been rough, but there was something undeniably comforting about this, being here, in the cabin, with Dream, the weirdness of the situation making it all a little less miserable.
"See, now you’re getting into the spirit," Techno smiled.
Dream sighed contentedly, still holding the mug with both hands. "Yeah, I guess this’ll do," he muttered. "Thanks. I guess...you’re not the worst after all."
Techno snorted, a grin spreading across his face. "You’re welcome. You know, for the record, I’m always the best."
Dream rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, he took another sip, this time a little slower, as if savoring the warmth and the quiet comfort of being here, of having someone around. Maybe things weren’t perfect, but for the first time in a while, they didn’t need to be.
Techno watched with a mixture of amusement and mild disbelief as Dream tried everything in his power to sever the thread that kept them connected. Dream had grabbed a knife, a pair of scissors, and even tried to yank at it with his teeth–none of it working. The thread was stubborn, unyielding, and very much in control.
"Seriously?" Techno asked. "You really think scissors are gonna do the trick?"
Dream shot him a glare, his frustration evident. "I don't know! I can't exactly walk around with you attached to me like this! I need to go out and practice my parkour or else I’ll get rusty.”
Techno smirked as he watched Dream wrestle with the unbreakable thread. “Yeah, ‘cause your parkour skills are so important to our survival right now. What are you gonna do, vault over my bed to escape me?”
Dream groaned, tossing the scissors onto the table in defeat. “Laugh it up, pig-man. Some of us actually care about staying sharp.”
Techno crossed his arms, his expression entirely too smug for Dream’s liking. “Right, because being tethered to me is totally gonna stop you from doing backflips or whatever it is you’re so worried about.”
Dream huffed and dropped into a chair, sulking. “You don’t get it. Parkour isn’t just some hobby. It’s…it’s freedom, okay? Movement without restrictions. And now I’m literally stuck with a restriction.” He waved dramatically at the thread between them.
Techno paused, watching him with mild curiosity. “So what, this thread’s gonna ruin your whole life? Bit dramatic, don’t you think?”
“Easy for you to say,” Dream muttered, glaring at the thread. “You don’t even do anything that involves needing space.”
Techno couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Oh, so now I’m lazy? Look, I might not be flipping off rooftops or whatever, but I still have my own plans, y’know.”
Dream slumped further into the chair, rubbing his temples. “Great. So we’re both gonna get in each other’s way. This is just perfect.”
Techno walked over and tugged lightly on the thread, watching as Dream’s arm moved with the pull. “Guess you’re gonna have to adapt, huh? We’ve got bigger problems anyway. Like how we’re supposed to go to the bathroom.”
Dream groaned louder, his head thumping back against the chair. “Oh, prime, I didn’t even think about that. This is a nightmare. An actual, living nightmare.”
Techno smirked, thoroughly enjoying Dream’s existential crisis. “Yup. Gonna be real awkward. You’re gonna learn a lot more about me than you ever wanted to.”
Dream’s face turned a deep shade of red as he sat upright, glaring at Techno. “No. Nope. Absolutely not. I’ll figure something out. I am not about to–”
“Relax, genius,” Techno interrupted, holding up a hand. “The thread stretches, but I wouldn’t test it too much. So you better start practicing synchronized bathroom breaks.”
Dream buried his face in his hands, groaning again. “This can’t be happening. It’s just–ugh–it’s so stupid! Why is magic always so stupid?”
“Hey, at least you’re not alone in this stupidity,” Techno said, flopping onto the couch next to Dream with a wide grin. “Now, stop sulking. We’ve got a system to plan.”
Dream peeked at him through his fingers, eyes narrowing. “A system? What, like we’re supposed to coordinate every little thing we do now?”
Techno shrugged, still tugging at the thread as if testing its limits. “Yup. Gotta be a team player, Dream. This is teamwork at its finest.”
Dream groaned, his head sinking into his hands again. “Why couldn’t I get tied to someone normal?”
“Don’t be dramatic.” Techno leaned back, hands behind his head, completely unbothered. “You’re lucky it’s me. Anyone else would’ve just let you freeze to death out there. Or worse, you ended up stuck with some random nerd.”
Dream lifted his head just enough to glare at Techno, his cheeks still red from frustration. “Oh, sure. Because being tied to you is such a blessing. Thanks, oh mighty Technoblade, for your infinite generosity.”
“You’re welcome,” Techno replied smoothly. “Admit it, Dream. You could do a lot worse.”
Dream groaned again, slumping further into the chair. “I’m already doing the worst. This is the worst.”
Techno chuckled, giving the thread a gentle tug that made Dream flinch. “You’ll survive. Besides, maybe this is the universe’s way of teaching you patience. Or, you know, how to deal with me.”
Dream didn’t dignify that with a response, choosing instead to stare at the offending thread with a mix of hatred and resignation. “I’m gonna figure out how to break this. Just you wait.”
“Good luck with that,” Techno said, his voice dripping with amusement. “But until then, welcome to the club. Hope you’re ready for the Technoblade experience.”
“Someone kill me please.”
Dream sat on the couch, bundled in the same blanket he’d swiped from the couch the night before. His face was pale, his nose red, and every few seconds, a pitiful sniffle or cough escaped him. He looked utterly miserable.
Technoblade leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, a mug of tea in one hand. His gaze was fixed on Dream, his expression a perfect mix of exasperation and smug satisfaction.
“So,” Techno said, breaking the silence. “How did the bedroom floor work out for you?”
Dream glared up at him through watery eyes, his voice hoarse. “Shut up.”
Techno took a leisurely sip of his tea, the smug look never leaving his face. “No, really, I’m curious. Was it as comfy as you thought, instead of just sharing a bed with me?”
Dream groaned, wrapping the blanket tighter around himself. “I’m fine.” He coughed violently, ruining any chance of sounding convincing.
“Uh-huh.” Techno pushed off the counter and walked over to him, crouching down so they were eye level. “Hate to break it to you, but you’re not fine. You look like death warmed over, and now you’re my problem.”
Dream sniffled again, shrinking under Techno’s gaze. “I don’t need your help. I’ll get over it.”
Techno rolled his eyes. “Yeah, sure, tough guy. You’re hacking up a lung, and you’ve got a fever. You’re lucky I don’t just toss you in a snowbank to ‘build character.’”
Dream tried to retort but ended up coughing instead. Techno sighed, stood, and started rummaging through a cabinet.
“What are you doing?” Dream croaked.
“Making you tea,” Techno replied, grabbing a mug and a box of tea bags. “Because I’m not stupid enough to let you suffer in silence and die on my floor. Now shut up and let me take care of you before I start charging for babysitting.”
Dream didn’t have the energy to argue. Instead, he slumped further into his blanket cocoon, muttering under his breath. “This is the worst.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Techno set the kettle back on the stove.
Dream shot him a half-hearted glare, trying to muster some kind of retort, but it was interrupted by a harsh cough that shook his entire frame.
Techno raised an eyebrow, leaning against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed. “Wow. What a comeback. Truly cutting words, Dream. You really got me.”
Dream groaned, rubbing at his throat. “You’re so annoying,” he rasped, his voice cracking pathetically.
“And yet here I am, making sure you don’t die.” Techno smirked, grabbing the tea he’d prepared and holding it out. “Now drink this before I decide you’re too much trouble.”
Dream weakly reached for the mug, muttering, “I hate you,” before taking a sip.
Techno just chuckled, shaking his head. “Sure you do, buddy. Sure you do.”
Techno settled on the edge of the couch after handing Dream the tea, watching as his reluctant companion took slow, cautious sips. The crackling fireplace filled the silence, casting flickering shadows across the room. For once, Dream wasn’t glaring, complaining, or trying to cut the thread. He just looked…exhausted.
Techno exhaled, breaking the quiet. “You’re lucky I’m nice, you know. Anyone else would’ve left you coughing on the floor.”
Dream huffed, the sound faint and muffled by the steam from his tea. “Nice? You’re the reason I’m sick in the first place.”
Techno smirked. “Right. Blame me for your terrible life choices. It’s not like I told you the floor was a terrible idea or anything.”
Dream opened his mouth to argue but stopped when another cough racked his body. Techno’s smirk softened, and he reached out without thinking, placing a hand on Dream’s blanket-covered shoulder to steady him.
“You alright?” Techno asked, quieter now.
Dream nodded weakly, not meeting his eyes. “Yeah, just…give me a second.”
They sat there in an unexpected silence, the tension between them replaced by something gentler. Techno leaned back a little, his hand lingering on Dream’s shoulder longer than he intended before he pulled it away.
“You’re not as bad as I thought you’d be,” Dream mumbled, his voice hoarse but sincere.
Techno blinked, caught off guard by the sudden admission. “Wow, high praise. I’ll add it to my resume.”
Dream gave a small, tired laugh, one that quickly turned into another cough. Techno rolled his eyes but handed him a tissue without a word.
“Don’t get used to this,” Techno said, his voice low but not unkind. “I’m not exactly the nurturing type.”
Dream looked up at him, his green eyes tired but softer than Techno had ever seen them. “Could’ve fooled me.”
Techno snorted, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah. Drink your tea, idiot.”
For a moment, it felt like the thread tying them together wasn’t a curse but something almost…manageable. Almost.
The cabin smelled incredible, a mix of roasted herbs, garlic, and something rich and buttery. Techno sat at the small dining table, leaning back in his chair with eyebrows raised as he watched Dream flit around the kitchen.
Dream was surprisingly efficient, moving between the stove and counter like he’d done this a thousand times. Despite the thread tethering them, he didn’t seem hindered at all, using the limited space to his advantage.
“I’m still not sure what I did to deserve this,” Techno said, propping his chin on his hand. “You plotting something? Poison in the gravy?”
Dream rolled his eyes, barely looking up as he plated the food. “It’s a thank you dinner, you ungrateful pig. For putting up with me while I was sick.”
Techno smirked. “Oh, so you do have manners. Thought you left those back in whatever hole you crawled out of.”
“Keep talking,” Dream shot back, his tone sharp but playful. “I’ll take it all back and give you instant noodles instead.”
Techno wisely stayed quiet after that, though his eyes followed every move Dream made. When the blond finally brought the plates to the table, Techno’s eyebrows shot up. The dinner was almost absurdly fancy for a cabin meal: perfectly cooked steak, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes that looked like clouds, and a small dish of some kind of sauce.
“Alright, I gotta admit,” Techno said, inspecting the plate. “This is way beyond what I expected. You sure you didn’t steal this from some restaurant?”
Dream sat across from him, looking a little smug as he grabbed his fork. “I told you, I can cook. You should be honored. I don’t do this for just anyone.”
Techno cut into the steak, took a bite, and froze. His eyes widened slightly before narrowing at Dream.
“Okay, what the hell,” he said around a mouthful of food. “Why are you this good? You’re like a walking contradiction. You can’t handle the cold, you’re an absolute pain most of the time, but then you pull this out of nowhere?”
Dream shrugged, clearly enjoying Techno’s reaction. “What can I say? I’m full of surprises.”
They ate in relative silence after that, though Techno kept shooting Dream subtle glances. The meal wasn’t just good, it was incredible, and there was something almost unsettling about how much effort Dream had put into it.
When they finished, Techno leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach. “Alright, I’ll admit it. You win. Best meal I’ve had in…ever.”
Dream grinned, his expression softening. “Don’t get used to it. This was a one-time thing.”
Techno snorted, “Sure it was.”
But as he watched Dream collect the plates, he couldn’t help but feel a quiet appreciation for the gesture. For all their bickering and clashing, maybe being tied to Dream wasn’t the worst thing in the world.
And it turned out Dream had been bluffing when he said it was a one-time thing.
Every morning, the cabin filled with the scent of buttery, fluffy pancakes, sometimes topped with fresh berries or drizzled with syrup. Lunch was a rotating masterpiece–thick, savory sandwiches with homemade bread, hearty soups that warmed even Techno's stoic heart, and once, a perfectly cooked quiche that had Techno staring at his plate in disbelief.
Then came dinner, which was always an event. Dream didn’t hold back: creamy pastas, crispy chicken with golden skin, perfectly seared fish with a tangy citrus glaze. And the snacks–oh, prime the snacks! Dream whipped up everything from perfectly seasoned roasted nuts to soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that Techno would’ve killed for if anyone tried to take them away.
The juice was a whole other revelation. Dream experimented with blends that seemed ridiculous at first–pineapple and mint, cucumber and lime–but they were so fresh and delicious that Techno started looking forward to them more than he cared to admit.
“I gotta say,” Techno muttered one evening as he leaned back in his chair after demolishing a plate of homemade lasagna, “I might never leave this cabin. You’ve ruined me for anything else. What am I supposed to do if we’re untangled? Go back to boiled potatoes and jerky?”
Dream smirked, crossing his arms as he leaned against the kitchen counter. “That’s your problem, not mine. You could always learn to cook, y’know.”
Techno scoffed, waving a hand. “What’s the point when I’ve got a personal chef right here?”
Dream rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. He wasn’t about to admit that he enjoyed cooking for Techno, watching the normally reserved warrior light up every time he tried something new, the grunts of satisfaction that Techno didn’t even realize he made.
“Just don’t get too comfortable,” Dream said, though the warmth in his voice betrayed him. “I’m not your servant.”
“Could’ve fooled me,” Techno quipped, picking up a cookie from the plate Dream had set out earlier. “But hey, I’m not complaining. Keep this up, and I might actually start liking you.”
Dream threw a dish towel at him, but the slight smile on his face said he didn’t mind.
Techno clung to the thick branch of the tree, his heart hammering in his chest as he tried to steady his breath. The wind whipped through the leaves around them, making the high branches sway slightly beneath him. Below, the forest stretched out, a sea of green far beneath his feet.
“Come on, Techno!” Dream called from the tree beside him, grinning like a madman as he swung effortlessly from one branch to the next. “You can do it! Just leap to the next one!”
Techno glanced nervously at the gap between him and the next tree. The thread tugged lightly as Dream moved, forcing him to follow suit. His grip tightened around the branch, and he tried not to think too much about the height. The last thing he wanted was to fall from a tree and make a complete fool of himself.
“I’m going to fall and die, Dream! This is it! I’m done!” Techno shouted, his voice shaking with anxiety.
Dream rolled his eyes, still holding onto the branch as if he was completely unbothered. “Don’t be dramatic. It’s just a jump, Techno. I’ve done it a hundred times. Just trust yourself.”
Techno swallowed hard, his palms sweaty, the height making his head spin. “Trust myself? The last time I trusted myself, I ended up accidentally setting my couch on fire.”
Dream chuckled, swinging his legs over the edge of the branch as he looked back at Techno. “You’re overthinking it. Look, you’re not going to die. You’ve got this.”
Techno took a deep breath, glaring at Dream, who looked like he was having the time of his life. “We have a thread attaching us. If I fall, you’re coming down with me.”
Dream’s grin widened. “Now you’re getting it. It’s teamwork, baby.”
Techno groaned, trying to shake off his nerves. “This is insane,” he muttered, finally forcing himself to inch forward, planting his feet on the edge of the branch. His knees were shaking, but he couldn’t let Dream see how terrified he was.
“Just jump,” Dream said, his voice calm and encouraging. “I’m right here.”
Techno’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Dream’s cocky grin. “You’re insane,” he muttered, but then, with a deep breath, he pushed off, launching himself toward the next branch.
For a moment, everything felt like slow motion. He felt the air rush past him, his arms flailing as his feet reached for the next branch. And then, with a jolt, his hands caught the edge of the branch, his legs swinging beneath him as he narrowly avoided falling.
“I DID IT!” Techno shouted, a mix of relief and adrenaline surging through him as he scrambled to get a better grip.
Dream was already on the other side, watching with an expression of mild amusement. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Techno caught his breath, his heart still racing. “I nearly died! You should’ve warned me that the jump was that big!”
Dream just shrugged, a cheeky grin on his face. “Nah, you’re fine. You made it, didn’t you?”
Techno looked down at the drop below them, his hands still shaking from the sheer rush. “I’ll never get used to this.”
Dream jumped from his branch to a lower one, landing lightly as if the whole thing were a game. “That’s the spirit! You’ll be parkouring like me in no time.”
Techno gave him a flat look, still not quite ready to trust the treetops. “I’m never doing that again.”
“Yeah, you’ll say that now. But tomorrow, I bet you’ll be climbing with me again.”
Techno snorted but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. “We’ll see about that. But thanks, I guess…for encouraging me.”
Dream shrugged, hopping over to the next branch. “Eh, it’s nothing. We’re a team, remember?”
Techno hesitated, then nodded. “Right. A team.”
He reached out, gripping the next branch more confidently, the thread between them pulling tight. As they continued climbing, Techno couldn’t help but feel a little more at ease, knowing that maybe just maybe he wouldn’t be doing this alone.
The kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of simmering spices, the soft sizzle of vegetables in a pan, and the quiet clink of utensils against bowls. Dream stood at the counter, effortlessly chopping herbs while Techno manned the stove, carefully stirring a sauce under Dream’s watchful guidance. The once-unbearable presence of the thread connecting them had faded into the background, now just another part of their everyday lives.
“Okay, add the cumin next,” Dream instructed, his voice calm and steady as he slid a small jar of the spice toward Techno. His fingers brushed Techno’s briefly, a casual touch that neither seemed to notice at least, not outwardly.
Techno reached for the jar, but his hand paused mid-air as his gaze lingered on Dream. There was something unspoken in the air, a quiet connection that had grown between them over time. Dream’s brow furrowed in concentration as he prepped the next ingredient, his movements fluid and precise, almost mesmerizing.
Dream glanced up, catching Techno’s stare. “What?” he asked, his tone soft but teasing. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
For a moment, Techno didn’t respond. He was too caught up in how natural this all felt–working together, moving in sync, the thread between them pulling them closer in ways he hadn’t expected. Finally, he shook his head and smirked. “Nothing. Just wondering how you don’t accidentally chop off your fingers when you’re distracted.
Dream rolled his eyes, but the warmth in his expression softened the gesture. “Please, like you’re one to talk. You nearly set the kitchen on fire the first time I let you near the stove.”
“That was one time!” Techno protested, though his lips twitched upward. “And you didn’t warn me the oil was that hot.”
Dream hummed noncommittally, his grin widening. “Yeah, yeah. Now add the cumin before the sauce burns, genius.”
Techno snorted but followed the instruction, sprinkling the spice into the pan. As he stirred, Dream stepped closer, leaning slightly over his shoulder to inspect the sauce. The proximity didn’t feel awkward or intrusive, it felt right, like they belonged in this moment together.
“Perfect,” Dream murmured, his voice close enough that Techno could feel the warmth of it. For a second, Techno swore his heart skipped a beat.
Their eyes met again, just for a brief moment. There was no teasing this time, no words exchanged–just a quiet understanding that neither could quite put into words. It wasn’t romantic, not exactly, but it was something…deeper. A harmony, like their hearts were having a quiet conversation neither of them fully understood yet.
Dream was the first to look away, turning back to the cutting board with a faint flush dusting his cheeks. Techno cleared his throat, focusing a little too hard on the pan. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable; it was the kind that spoke volumes, a space where words weren’t necessary.
When the meal was finally finished, they plated it together, their movements still perfectly in sync. Techno took a bite first, his eyebrows lifting in genuine surprise. “Okay, this is actually amazing.”
Dream grinned, leaning back against the counter with a satisfied expression. “Told you. Now you can’t complain about not being able to cook.”
Techno smirked, leaning against the stove. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
And as they stood there, eating the meal they’d made together, neither of them said it aloud, but they both knew the thread wasn’t a burden anymore. It was just them. And anything else would feel strange.
The storage room was dimly lit, shafts of sunlight filtering in through the cracks in the wooden walls. Dust particles danced lazily in the air as Dream bent down to sort through a box of old tools, his sleeves rolled up and smudges of dirt on his cheek. Techno was across the room, pulling out some forgotten crates and muttering under his breath about how he should’ve cleaned this up years ago.
“You hoard too much,” Dream said, holding up a rusted horseshoe and raising an unimpressed eyebrow.
“It’s not hoarding,” Techno replied, a frown tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It’s...collecting.”
“Collecting useless junk,” Dream shot back, tossing the horseshoe into a discard pile. “You’re lucky I’m here to help. Otherwise, you’d still be tripping over broken shovels and spider nests.”
“Spider nests add character to the place.”
Dream snorted, shaking his head. “Sure, if you’re aiming for creepy recluse vibes.”
For a while, they worked in companionable silence, the occasional sound of something heavy being dragged across the floor or the soft clang of metal breaking the quiet. It was a rhythm they’d fallen into so easily over the past months–working together, cooking together, bickering over small things but never seriously. The thread between them no longer felt like a tether; it was just...there, as natural as breathing.
Dream straightened up, stretching his arms over his head with a groan. He glanced at Techno, who was crouched near a pile of old books, his hair falling into his face. He hesitated, the words hovering on the tip of his tongue. For once, his usual bravado was gone, replaced by something quieter, something honest.
“I like you,” Dream said, the words slipping out before he could second guess them.
Techno froze, his hand stilling on the cover of a book he’d been wiping off. He didn’t look at Dream right away, but his lips twitched upward in the faintest of smiles. “Huh,” he said after a beat, his voice calm, even a little amused. “Took you long enough to say it.”
Dream scowled, his cheeks heating. “Oh, shut up.”
Techno stood, brushing off his hands as he finally met Dream’s gaze. “I like you too,” he said simply, like it was the most natural thing in the world. There was no teasing, no over-the-top reaction, just the truth, laid bare between them.
Dream blinked, caught off guard by how easy it was. No dramatic proclamations, no awkwardness. Just them.
“Seriously? That’s it?” Dream asked, his tone half-incredulous. “No smug comments? No big speech about how you knew all along?”
Techno shrugged, leaning against the wall with a casual air. “What’s the point? You already said it. Why make it complicated?”
Dream opened his mouth to respond, then closed it again, a quiet laugh escaping instead. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Yeah, but you like me anyway.”
Dream rolled his eyes, but his smile was soft, almost shy. “Guess I do.”
From that moment on, things didn’t change much between them. If anything, life became even easier. Their days were filled with the same routines, the same banter, but now there was an unspoken understanding, a warmth that lingered in every glance, every touch.
And then, one morning, it happened.
Dream was making breakfast, humming softly to himself as he flipped pancakes on the stove. Techno was sitting at the table, lazily peeling a potato because, as he’d pointed out, he could at least try to contribute. The thread that had connected them for almost a year began to shimmer faintly, catching their attention.
Dream turned, spatula still in hand, as they both watched the thread twist and pulse with light. Slowly, it unraveled, dissolving into glowing strands that circled their fingers. By the time the light faded, delicate, glowing rings rested on both their hands–a quiet, permanent reminder of their bond.
Dream stared at the ring for a moment, then looked up at Techno, his green eyes wide. “Well,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips. “Guess in a way, we’re still stuck together..”
Techno chuckled, holding up his hand to inspect the ring. “Could be worse. You could still be complaining about that hot chocolate you spilled.”
Dream groaned, tossing a kitchen towel at him. “You’ll never let that go, will you?”
“Not a chance.”
They both laughed, the sound filling the cozy space of the cabin. The rings didn’t feel like a restriction or a chain. They felt like a choice, one they’d already made without realizing it.
As Dream plated the pancakes and sat next to Techno, he hesitated for only a moment before sliding his hand into his. Techno didn’t look at him, didn’t say a word, but his fingers curled around Dream’s in a quiet, steady squeeze. The warmth of the fireplace crackled in the background, soft light flickering against the walls of the cozy cabin.
Everything felt…right. No grand gestures, no elaborate declarations. Just the simple, quiet understanding between them. Being together, loving each other–it wasn’t complicated or dramatic. It was easy. It was them.
And they wouldn’t have it any other way.