Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Let go of me!” Dream screamed, trying to pull himself free from the person who had thrown him over his shoulder and was currently running. “Help!” How could a normal evening turn out like that?! All he wanted to do was enjoy the royal ball of his father for once and all of a sudden explosions happened and people were running into the room.

In all the panic he had called out to his father who had already run away, fucking coward. Before he understood what was going on some filthy pirate had grabbed Dream and thrown him over his shoulder with a loud ‘I got him!’ and then ran off. Obviously this was a targeted kidnapping attempt, probably hoping that the king – Dream’s father – would pay them for his release later.

Too bad that his father didn’t give a fuck about him and they wouldn’t even get dirt in exchange. Had he tried to explain that to the dude under him? Yes, yes he had. Was that man listening? No, obviously not.

Now where were the damn knights? They were fighting either other pirates or evacuating the civilians. There wasn’t many who could help him and the few who tried to follow them either lost track through dumb tricks or got attacked by others.

So Dream had tried it himself, but the man under him didn’t seem to care that he was kicking and punching around, just adjusting his hold on the man here and there. Dream looked over his shoulder, eyes widening when he saw the giant pirate ship floating in the air. Big cogs were turning and smoke was coming out of it and, shit, he recognized that ship.

It was The Syndicate, ship of one of the most well known pirate group that sailed through the air. He couldn’t get on that ship, he’d never escape from there! But all he could to was wiggle around more, bite the man but his teeth didn’t get through the thick clothes he wore. It was hopeless and when they arrived at the ship a ladder of rope was let down, the man held onto it and they were pulled up.

Now it was too late, when the man would let go now Dream would fall to his death and the man really didn’t want that. Did he kinda hated his life? Yeah! But he didn’t wanna end it! So his only choice now was to stay still and hope for the best. The best meaning that the rumours about the pirates would be wrong and they were actual nice people who simply wanted to safe him from his tyrant father.

Yeah. Sure. And unicorns are real and something like superheroes existed.

It didn’t take long for them to arrive at the main deck, immediately Dream was thrown on the ground, grunting at the impact. He looked around and crawled backwards against a wooden wall that forced him to stop. Within seconds he was surrounded by pirates, looking down at him with either disinterest or evil grins.

“Stay away from me!” Dream yelled, looking around in the hope of finding something to defend himself with. Or a way to run away and maybe hide from them, anything that would get him out of this vulnerable position.

“Now now, there’s no need for yellin’,” a deep and monotone voice spoke up from behind the mop of pirates. They parted like the red sea and revealed a tall wide man with pink hair, tied into a high braided tail, a beard hiding his muscular face. Red eyes were staring straight at Dream as he walked closer, a ruffled white blouse revealing some of his chest. “We’re all civilized men here.”

“Oi!” A young woman with pink hair spoke up, making Techno chuckled.

“Excuse me, men as in humans, ‘course.”

“Bullshit!” Dream spat out, finally standing up to stop the man from looking down on him. They were almost the same size, the other was just a little bit taller than him. Ignore that Dream wore slightly healed boots. “I know what kind of people the crew of The Syndicate are!”

“Oh, and what are we?” The pinket asked with an amused grin on his lips, one brow cocked.

“Filthy pirates who just take whatever they want without ever thinking of someone else!”

“Now, I wouldn’t call us filthy, the ship is quiet clean, probably the cleanest you will ever see, even.”

“I don’t care!” Dream screamed, ignoring that the man was right and it did look quiet clean. He stepped closer to the stranger with fire in his eyes. “Tell your damn captain Technoblade that it’s not worth kidnapping me! My father doesn’t care enough about me to give you anything in exchange for my life!”

Silence fell over the whole ship, the crew staring at Dream who was breathing heavily before they all started laughing loudly. Dream looked around in confusion, tears starting to well in his eyes out of frustration, but he couldn’t let them fall. He was too proud and they already didn’t take him serious, this would make it worse.

“What is so funny?!” He eventually demanded an answer, turning back to the pinket who wiped a tear away from his eyes with a gloved hand.

“May I introduce myself?” He said, the crew slowly calming down as the stranger took Dream’s hand and lightly bowed, the hand pressed to his lips. A soft kiss was placed on the back of the blond’s hand, who totally didn’t blush at the action, and the man with red eyes looked back up, grin now wider. “Name’s Technoblade and I am the captain of this beautiful ship and royal crew.”

Dream’s eyes widened at those words and he turned his head in the hope of people saying he was joking, but they were all just smirking at him. “That… that can’t be,” whispered Dream as he tried to step back and pull his hand free, but it was held tightly in Technoblade’s grip.

The man straightened back up and pulled Dream to his chest, his free arm wrapping around Dream’s waist. He leaned down and whispered in his ear. “And who said we’re ‘ere to gain somethin’ from your father?”

“What?!” Dream tried pulling away, this time successful as Techno let go of him. He almost fell back but could catch himself, staring at the man in front of him with wide eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“Let’s just say that someone else was ready to pay a fine price when we bring ya to him,” another man, he looked older with long blond hair, stepped up to Techno. His voice was calm and his gaze rather friendly and… sorry? “We’ll arrive at the meeting point in three days, you’ll stay with Captain Technoblade in the meantime.”

“Excuse me? You want me to stay with your captain?!” Dream squeaked out, glancing over at Technoblade.

“Philza meant just in my cabin,” Techno said, his hands on his hips now. “My bed is big ‘nough for the both of us and like that yer highness doesn’t have to stay in our brig, nice of me, ay?” Dream just scoffed at that, but the man was right, he had read about brigs and how dirty they were with nothing to sleep on. At least he wouldn’t be sore and could try finding a way to escape.

“Anyway!” Philza clapped his hands together, “welcome on The Syndicate prince Dream, enjoy the three days you have on this ship. Any allergies or anything our cook needs to know about before you’ll be brought to the cabin?” Dream just shook his head, glancing around as the group of pirates started to dissolve, all ready to do their usual jobs on the ship. “Great! Niki, would you show him the way?”

“Sure,” the woman from before said, stepping up to Dream with a gentle smile, “follow me, we got some clothes to change into there as it’s almost nighttime.” As they walked through a door that lead to a small corridor Dream felt the ship fly faster. The Syndicate was one of the tallest ship that existed, given all the engines that needed to get it to fly while transporting people, supplies, treasures and weapons.

While they walked Niki asked him if Dream had eaten anything that night and he answered with a yes. He wouldn’t receive any food then unless he wanted, he declined. Niki was a rather friendly woman, just like Philza was a rather nice man, considering they were pirates. When they arrived Niki opened the door and let Dream step in.

The cabin was big, filled with excessive decorations and furniture full with ornaments. One wall was just books and one was just windows, a small door leading to a balcony. Yeah, the ship was impressive and there was a reason why many thought it was just a legend, he had never seen anything like it before.

On his right side was a desk with a comfortable chair, papers like maps and documents sprawled over it and quill standing on it. A lamp was aimed at one of the papers and a wild handwriting was seen on it, probably from the captain. On his left was a big closet that probably was filled with expensive clothes and right next to it a giant bed, big enough for at least four people. There were curtains tied to the four poles on each of the bed’s corner, fluffy pillows filled it and on a corner lay a pile of folded clothes.

“Those are yours for the night,” Niki said, still smiling at Dream, funnily it made him feel okay, like everything was gonna work out. “Techno will give you something comfortable tomorrow as you will stay in the cabin for the whole trip, okay?” Dream just nodded and Niki let out a soft sigh. “Dream… Just enjoy the next three days as much as possible, okay?”

“...You seem to be rather decent Niki, why are you helping them by selling me away?” Dream asked with a pleading tone, hoping to appeal to the young woman's conscious to set him free.

But Niki just started to shake her head. “Sorry Dream, but Techno makes the deals here, I just try to trust him. But hey, maybe he’ll change the plan or something like that,” she shrugged lightly. “Now get ready for bed before the captain comes in here and get some sleep, alright? You’ll get some amazing breakfast in the morning, maybe not as nice as in your palace, but still really nice!”

And with those words she was gone, Dream heard her lock the door. He had hoped she would forget that, but nope, seemed like he was a prisoner now, one going to be exchanged for whatever the captain wanted.

With a deep sigh Dream changed into the clothes that had been laid out to him. It was a wide shirt to button close and an equally wide pants, both in an ivory color, matching perfectly. He huffed as he looked himself in a mirror next to the bed, the other side form the closet one. The he turned and walked up to the desk, trying to read the paper he had seen before.

It seemed to be some random list of supplies they’d need to get at some point and people the captain needed to talk to. Boring, so he decided to shuffle a bit around until he found something that seemed to be a contract or such? Before he was able to pull it out the door to the cabin opened again and Dream fast stepped back, trying to hide that he was snooping around.

“Now, lookin’ through private stuff isn’t very nice,” Techno said before locking the door again, hanging the key up above the door where Dream couldn’t reach. Maybe with a small jump he could, that would be his first try to escape.

“Do you know what else isn’t nice?” Dream asked with a sarcastic smile, making Techno snort as he started to take off his jacket. “Kidnapping someone to sell him off to some stranger just because you want some money, or whatever!”

“Now, who said I’d sell ya away for money?” Techno now pulled off his shirt, back turned to Dream. The blond blushed lightly at the muscular back of the man but shook his head to straighten his thoughts – something his father always had hoped he would do, ironically.

“For what else? You pirates are either after money or treasures or rum. Or, wait, let me guess,” Dream kept talking, now looking away when Techno took off his pants. Too bad that when Dream turned around he could see the man in the mirror. “There’s some weird myth and you need to find some way to proof it’s true and the man who wants to buy me has a way to proof it? Or a part of a map that brings you to it?”

At those words Techno laughed out loud, pulling pants on and then a buttoned shirt as well. Then he opened up his hair and stroked the knots out as best as possible. “Actually, ya were kinda close with the myth one. What I want, dear highness, is a book.” Techno walked up to his desk and seemed to pick up the paper Dream just had tried to read.

“A book? You can’t be serious,” Dream’s mouth was agape with those news, knowing he was worth just a book to this man was disheartening, it made him feel like there was no chance to escape this hell.

“Well, not jus’ any book,” Techno said before handing Dream the paper from before. It was indeed a contract, one he made with the person who wanted to buy the blond.

Dream read through it, frowning at some words. The fact his full name was used with his title and all was icky, even where he was from and who his father was. Every little detail was named. Unharmed, if possible at least, must be dressed well when handed over, too. Weirdo. “...in exchanged for the prince Captain Technoblade of The Syndicate would receive the… the revival book?!” The paper was smashed down against Dream’s thigh. “For a damn myth of some book that could bring people back to life you… you want to give me away?”

“Listen, there’s more reason than-”

“And to Schlatt?!” Dream screamed out, jumping up on his wobbly legs as he read the name. His eyes wide and legs trembling, his ears ringing. He knew Schlatt, his father knew Schlatt, the man was a disgusting person who lead a horrible kingdom in a horrible way. They had only met a couple of times, only during official events but Dream had always felt a bad vibe from the man. The way he had always eyed Dream had felt wrong, had felt wicked and just… Dream didn’t even wanna think about it.

“...Ya know him?” Techno asked with a cocked brow, seeing that Dream’s balance was losing out and he caught him. Dream breathed heavily, clutching the paper in his fist against his chest, trying to calm down. “Hey, hey it’s ‘kay,” Techno whispered, sitting down on the ground with the blond between his legs, back to chest. He rocked back and forth, one hand on top of Dream’s at his chest, the other at his forehead to pull his head back.

Eventually Dream started to mimic Techno’s breathing, moving back and forth slowly in a soothing manner. After a few minutes he had calmed down, the paper crumbled together and pushed away. “You good…?” Techno asked, voice careful against Dream’s ear.

“...you want to give me to Schlatt… I’ll never be good again…” Dream confessed, squinting his eyes together, lips in a straight line. He eventually got back up with the captain’s help and climbed on the bed.

“I didn’t know you two knew each other,” Techno said slowly, pciking the paper back up and trying to straighten it back out before placing it on his desk. “Thought he had read about ya or whatever and not, ya know, was a friend or whatever?”

“Not a friend, never a friend,” Dream spat out, ruffling through his hair in frustration. “That fucker, I only met him like... five times or so? I’m not even sure, but he had always given me bad vibes. The fact he is willing to go as far as wanting to buy me? Shit..”

Techno just stood there, biting his lip and probably not knowing what he was supposed to do. He moved forward and sat down next to Dream, looking at him, Dream felt his eyes on him. Red like blood, blood he’d probably soon spill once he was handed over to… Schlatt. God, he couldn’t believe this.

“...Dream, listen-”

“No,” Dream cut him off sharply, glaring at the way too tall man, “I don’t wanna hear it. Whatever it is, I don’t care what your little explanation is to do this. You’re ruining my life, probably ending it even when giving me to that monster like I’m some stature to buy off. Just, shut up and leave me alone.”

And with those last words he climbed up on the bed and under the blanket, as far away from the pirate as possible. His back was turned to Techno but he could still feel the stare piercing through him. After a few seconds a loud sigh came from Techno and the light turned off.

That night Dream didn’t sleep, he stayed awake form the fear of having nightmares of a man with black eyes and a goat beard. Of grabby hands reaching for him and gloved big ones pushing him towards them. Only when the first rays of sunshine started to rise did sleep take over, saving him from those fantasies which looked more like his future with every passing second.

Chapter Text

Three days. Dream had three days to either escape this ship that flew hundreds of meters above the ground or somehow get the pirates to set him free. And Dream had no clue how to do that, especially while also being locked in the captain’s cabin all day long.

When Dream had woken up, the sun had been high up in the sky already and Techno was gone, but laid out some fresh clothes for Dream to change into. So the man did just that, noticing that the cream colored shirt was way too big for him, probably one of Techno then. Instead of being annoyed that it would always hang loose on one shoulder or exposing too much of his chest, he wore it so that both his shoulders were free.

He also got a black corset that he tied around his stomach and black pants, he apparently was allowed to keep his boots. Lucky him. Now all Dream could do was waiting, or that was what he thought. But he was locked into a room with shelves filled with books and small trinkets, so there was a lot more to explore than you might thought.

At first he looked through the books, finding some that were to learn about card reading, fighting techniques or ‘The Art of War’ which seemed to be most red. There were also books that told stories of adventurers, of people whose mission it was to explore the world. Pirates who fought at the border of the world to hunt down the Kraken. Of Kings who had to lead armies into wars and captains who turned rogue when being obsessed with a treasure.

Dream hummed lightly at the last story, wondering if Techno saw the irony. A deep sigh left the man’s lips as he sat on the ground cross-legged, the book falling beside him. He buried his face in his hands and inhaled deeply before stroking with them through his hair, looking to his left outside the giant windows. The ship was moving fast and through clouds, dangerous but a well known method for pirates, as the royal army was not allowed to fly through too thick and big clouds.

The blond still couldn’t believe that he was supposed to be sold out just for Techno to receive some mystical book. Like, a book! Surely Dream was worth more than that! Not to forget that the existence of the Revival book was never proven by anyone. It was just a myth being told by pirates and sailors, well known in every city.

Well known for something that was never actually seen by anyone alive. There had been Blackbeard who said that he had held it in his hand before it was stolen again. But why would you believe someone like him? All he wanted was to be famous and stay in the minds of people as the only man who held the book in his hands.

He knew that a lot of people believed in this book, as dumb as it sounded, and that even more tried getting their hands on it. Even the ones who didn’t believe it in tried finding it, hoping for some miracle. However, there was never one who succeeded. And now Schlatt was supposed to own it?

Dream couldn’t imagine it, Schlatt was a proud man who always wanted to be ahead of everyone and show that. He was sure had he gained the book some way he would have paraded it around, especially in front of Dream’s father. On the other hand, it had been a while since Dream last saw the man and if he really had the book and would exchange it for something – or in this case someone – it would be smarter keeping it a secret.

A loud groan escaped Dream’s mouth as as he leaned back against the cabin wall, frustration and uncertainty weighing heavily on him. The realization that he was caught in the midst of a dangerous game, one where the stakes were higher than he could have ever imagined, settled uncomfortably in his chest.

Because what would Schlatt possibly want from him and why was Techno so after that book? Had he actually seen it himself or was he chasing after a fantasy he hoped to be true? Sure the book was called revive book for a reason, cause it is supposed to bring people back to life. So who was it that Techno missed so much that he would exchange Dream for.

“Pull yourself together,” mumbled Dream as he finally stood back up, walking to the giant windows. What was he thinking? Techno was just some random pirate, he didn’t care about Dream so obviously he was ready to give him away. So Dream had to find a way out, maybe trying to befriend the man would make him soft and he could get to one of those safe boats.

Sounded unrealistic trying to softening up a pirate, but it was his best shot.

Just as he was thinking about it he could hear the door behind him opening, Technoblade walking in with a plate in one hand, staring at Dream with wide eyes. “You’re awake!” The man said as he stepped in and closed the door behind him, not locking it for now.

“Yeah…” Dream exhaled, turning to watch the pinket placing the plate on the desk. On it were mashed potatoes with an apple and a roasted fish, it smelled amazing. “Is that…?”

“For ya,” Technoblade finished Dream’s sentence, pulling the chair away from the desk and gesturing to it for Dream. “Puffy prepared it, she’s an amazin’ chef and had her own restaurant ‘fore joinin’ us.”

Dream squinted at the man before carefully walking up and sitting down, Techno pushing the chair towards him. He looked down at the food and swallowed lightly, not sure if he could trust it. Carefully he took the fork and blunt knife that was given to him to poke at it, unaware of Techno who watched him amused.

“It ain’t poisoned, if ya are afraid of that,” Techno whispered in his ear, making Dream flinch away a bit before glaring at the man. “Ya already know yer purpose, it wouldn’t make any sense to kill ya, would it?” Dream just huffed before taking his first bite, almost moaning out at the taste of it. Techno was right, it was delicious and he wanted to devour every little crumb on his.

But he didn’t, because he was a prince after all and a prince had manners. So instead of trying to fit everything at once into his mouth, he straightened his back and slowly started to cut the fish on his plate. “It’s indeed pretty good for a pirate’s dinner,” he commented before putting another piece in his mouth.

Techno scoffed and walked away from the desk. Dream glanced over his shoulder to watch him, only for his face to darken in a blush and fast return his gaze to his plate. Behind him Techno was removing the shirt from his body, chuckling lightly. “Oh my, ya don’t need to be all princey for me, Dream. You can eat however ya want.”

At that Dream dared do glance back once more, Techno was looking at him, a dark red shirt in his hands ready to put on. His was wearing a weak smile on his lips, barely visible. With another exhale Dream turned back and looked at his food and decided not to care. He dug the fork into the food and pushed as much of the potatoes inside his mouth as he could before grabbing the fish and biting off of it. Most of the bones were already removed and the view that weren’t he just pulled straight out of his mouth.

At home he would have gotten hit over the head by a father who’d never approve of this. Ever since he was small he was taught that manners were important in every situation he would find himself in. Even when death was close, his father had said, you should keep your manner so you keep your self respect.

But fuck that. Dream hated his father and his father hated him. In a few days he will be given over to a horrible man and he wanted to just be a bit selfish until then. And if that meant dirtying his fingers to eat the food a little bit faster, then so be it. No one was there to judge except the pirate and the blond was sure Techno had seen worse than that.

“So,” Dream spoke up as he heard Techno getting dressed behind him, “why is the chef-”

“Puffy.”

“-Puffy, why is she on your ship when she had her own restaurant?” He had food in his mouth while talking, licking his fingers as silence fell over the room. When he grabbed the apple he turned to look at Techno who frowned, his gaze falling to the window. “….Captain Techno?”

Techno sighed heavily before turning to Dream. “’Cause of the government.” Now it was Dream’s time to frown, silently asking him to continue. The captain watched as Dream bit into the apple, basically swallowing it down. “Puffy had her own restaurant on the island and kingdom of yer father, but she didn’t work for your father. She was helpin’ rebels out by givin’ them food and refused givin’ yer soldiers food for free when they demanded it. So yer father let it get burnt down.”

Dream was staring at him, a few bites from the apple missing before turning back to the desk, staring at the almost empty plate. His appetite was gone now, he had known about his father being an asshole to his people, especially the ones who didn’t respect him. He had heard the soldiers talking about burning down the houses of people who refused to pay ridiculous extra taxes and he felt horrible that he was too terrified of his father to ever say something.

He had promised himself that he would be a better king some day, to give the kingdom someone worthy to rule them. Obviously this was not gonna happen and in some twisted way he was relieved, cause he heard whisper of people wanting to overthrow the throne anyway. And the people didn’t have hope in him anyhow, they called him the scared prince, the one who would have been controlled by his advisors.

So maybe it was best to have been kidnapped, even though he wished it didn’t mean to go with Schlatt.

Yeah, there was no hope to finish his food now. So instead he placed the apple on the plate and stood up, turning to Techno and leaning against the desk. The pinket raised his brow at him, his hair now open and hanging over his shoulder, his hat newly placed on the crown of his hair. “Can I meet her?”

Techno scoffed at that. “Why?”

Dream shrugged lightly and glanced down at the floor, hands fidgeting in front of his lap. Then he looked back up and saw Techno staring at him so he took a deep breath and straightened up. “I am not my father, I never planned to turn out like him if the day would have come where I took over the throne. So I want to apologize to her how my father treated her. And also I want to thank her for the amazing food.”

Techno narrowed his eyes at him before walking up to him, making Dream step back and falling against the desk. Listen, Dream was good in fighting and all but Techno was huge! Everyone would have been intimidated!

The captain looked over Dream for a few seconds before a smirk grew on his lips. “Alright, why not,” he stepped back a bit and Dream’s eyes grew in happiness. “Ya know what? Considerin’ you will be here for two or three days, you can actually help on the ship!”

Dream’s face fell. “What?”

“Yeah!” Techno laughed, wrapping an arm around Dream’s shoulder and grinning down at him. Dream could feel his cheek heating up at the touch of the captain. He gulped as he pulled Dream along through the door. “Scrubbin’ the deck, washin’ the dishes, helpin’ with cleanin’ the canons and all that stuff.” He lightly hit him against his chest in a friendly manner, grinning. “Make ya do some real work for once in yer life.”

At that Dream snorted loudly and rolled his eyes, but eventually slightly leaned into the taller man. Techno froze up for just a millisecond before relaxing again, squeezing his arm more around the blond as he lead him through a corridor.

-

So that was how Dream found himself on the deck of the ship, a mop in his hand and cleaning. Tommy and Tubbo, the two youngest people of the crew, were helping him together with Niki. The young woman had shown him how to hold the mop correctly, how much water he should use and what movement to make to get everything clean fast.

He was huffing as the sun shone down on him and the wood under him sparkled as it dried. “I knew ya’d make yourself useful,” Techno came down a small set of stairs, behind him a man with brown curly hair. He was one of the few people Dream had not met throughout the day, to be fair, he also hadn’t seen Techno much after he had left him with Puffy who he actually built up a friendly relationship with.

“It’s kinda nice knowing I’m actually helping someone for once,” answered Dream, finishing the last part that he was supposed to clean. He placed the mop on the floor and picked up the bucket with a huff. “Where does this go?”

“I can take it!” Niki said as she walked up to him with a smile, taking the bucket in her free hand. “We have a system to clean out the water and filter it so we can reuse it to wash our clothes or whatever.” Dream nodded and watched Niki walk off with Tommy and Tubbo, each with their own cleaning stuff and Dream’s mop.

“Dream,” the man with the brown curls spoke up, voice calm as he eyed the prince who was now sweating almost as much as he used to after training his swords skill. “My name is Wilbur,” he introduced himself with a hand sticking out, a charming smile on his lips.

Dream narrowed his eyes at the man. He had met plenty of those kind of people, a charming smile on their lips but their eyes always cold and calculated. Wilbur either didn’t trust him or was hiding something, whatever that may be. “Nice to meet you.”

“Well, won’t be for long.”

“Wilbur,” Techno warned with a slight growl, frowning at the man who just shrugged his shoulders. “Wilbur helps me with plannin’ our routes around the world and with explosives as well.” Dream nodded gently, eyeing the man once again.

“I heard you have helped out on the ship today?” Wilbur asked as he placed his hands behind his back, still smiling at Dream. The man was taller than Dream, but not as tall as Techno was. “Probably used the possibility to try and find a way to escape?”

Dream froze up at that and glared at the man, Techno next to him rolled his eyes lightly before looking at the blond. The thing is, Wilbur was right. Obviously Dream used the opportunity of walking around on the ship to find a way to get off of it as well. However, you need special access to get into certain areas, including the lifeboats. So yeah, he was stuck.

Since he didn’t know what to say he just glanced away with a frown, earning a chuckle from Wilbur and a barely there ‘I guessed so’. It annoyed Dream, because he acted like he did something horrible he wasn’t allowed to, yet it were them who kidnapped him in the first place. Before he could say something Techno decided to talk again.

“Thanks to yer extra hand everyone finished their task much faster than usual,” he looked at Dream and glanced at Wilbur who shook his head at him. “Do you want to come with me to the quarterdeck and watch how to steer it?”

Dream’s eyes widened at the offer, everyone on this ship have been nice to him so was – except Wilbur. He hadn’t expected the pirates of one of the most scared ships to be so open towards him and have actual conversations with him. Yet here he was, nodding at the captain who grinned proudly and wrapped an arm around Dream’s waist.

Once again the blond’s cheeks started to heat up and he looked down in order to hide it. Well, if someone noticed he could always say it came from the sun burning down on them, just like he’s trying to convince himself. Together they walked up the stairs and Dream could swear he felt Wilbur glaring at his back, but decided to ignore it.

As they walked towards the steering wheel Dream looked up at Techno who was smirking still. He left Dream’s side to take the wheel into his hands, steering it lightly to the left, next to him lay a map with a route drawn on it. Dream looked down at it, seeing that the route was short and they would arrive within the next two nights.

That was their destiny, Schlatt, but it wasn’t Schlatt’s land they were heading to. “...I don’t know this piece of land you are aiming at,” Dream said, frowning lightly while still looking at the map. “I know where Schlatt lives and that’s not-”

“He doesn’t want it to happen on his land,” Techno cut him off, his face back to a monotone way, like a stature. “We don’t know why, probably so no one sees what he’s doin’. You’re prince after all, people know yer face so he most likely doesn’t want to risk anythin’.”

At that Dream could just nod and looked down at the map again, checking if there was any way he could escape. They were heading for a bay that seemed to be surrounded by tall mountains and the map said it was untouched ground. Maybe, with a bit of luck, he could get away and get rid of them in the forests at the foot of the mountains. He at least had to try it.

“No askin’ to not give you to him?”

Dream sighed heavily at that and lifted his head, looking forward towards a big clout they were going to pass. “You think the revive book is real,” started Dream, not even glancing at the pinket next to him, “so you must be delusional, no point in trying to convince you.”

Techno snorted at that and shook his head, now looking towards Dream. “Listen, I know you think all this is fake and I am crazy of whatever, but I know this damn book is real. I saw it, in his hand.”

Green eyes widened at that. “You saw it…? But it’s a myth! He must have tricked you!”

“That’s what I thought,” continued Techno, taking a step to the side and gesturing for Dream to step next to him, in front of the steering wheel. “Ever steered a ship?” Dream swallowed lightly and shook his head, he always wanted to but his father never allowed him. Reluctantly, knowing there wasn’t any real danger as he was needed alive, he stopped up to the steering wheel.

Carefully he placed his hands on the wood, not sure if he placed them correctly or if it didn’t matter. Techno chuckled and stepped right behind Dream, his hands grabbing Dream’s wrists and placing them where they should be. Dream could feel a blush on his cheeks again and he started getting annoyed with himself.

Sure Captain Technoblade was hot, no one would disagree with him there but still. He himself was good looking, he knew that! So why was he acting like some virgin around the pirate?! In order to distract from his blush he cleared his throat. “So, how do you know it’s real?”

Techno helped Dream steer in the right direction, making sure the prince wouldn’t try anything crazy like steering the ship in the completely wrong direction. “I saw it, saw how it glowed in eery light, words that were in a language I had never seen before separating from the pages. It just felt right, it’s what I need.”

A hum came from Dream’s throat, imagining what the man must have seen to be so sure of this book. There could be explanations like poison that he breathed in, but Techno seemed to be too smart to fall for it. Maybe the book was real and maybe there was someone Techno needed to bring back. And why not give away some strange prince for that? Seemed like a good deal, Dream had to admit.

Slowly the sun started to sink, starting to bath them into darkness as the stars came out to dance around them. Dream looked around with big eyes, feeling so much closer to the stars now than he ever was. Techno moved to pull on a lever, the ship slowing down to an almost halt, like it was in stand by mode.

Dream was still looking around when he heard music coming from the main deck, a violin and a guitar playing happy and lively music, some voices could be heard singing shanties. “What’s going on…?” asked the blond, Techno chuckling lowly as he stepped back, Dream turning towards him.

“We sometimes do this, havin’ fun, dancing and singin’, ya know?” He answered, placing his hands on his hips as he walked towards the railing to look down at the main deck. Dream followed him and hid his smile behind his hands. The person playing the guitar was Wilbur and, to his surprise, the person playing the violin was Tommy.

“I never would have guessed seeing the kid play the violin,” Dream joked, hiding his laughter still, it wasn’t really working.

Techno snorted at that. “I taught him,” he said, the smile on his lips growing.

“No way,” Dream scoffed with a roll of his eyes, giving up on hiding his amusement.

“I did!”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Well, how can I convince ya?”

“Hm,” Dream thought for just a second, tipping his finger against his chin. “By playing to me some time.”

Now it was Techno’s turn to roll his eyes, his smile still there though. “Alright, tomorrow evenin’ I can show you. You know, as a-” Techno interrupted himself at that, coughing into his fist as a weird and uncomfortable heaviness grew between them.

Dream winced lightly, knowing what the captain wanted to say. He rubbed his arm before looking back at the crew, multiple people dancing and singing, some with glasses in their hands filled with rum. It looked like they were all having the time of their lives, like there was no evil in the world and all they had to do was enjoy themselves.

“Wanna go down there and mingle a bit?”

“’Mingle’?” Dream echoed with a chuckle, grin big on his face as he glanced up at the taller man.

“Oh, I’m sorry Yer Highness,” Techno mocked, making Dream giggle and if Dream saw the captain’s cheeks redden, he convinced himself he imagined it, “Would you give me the honour of gifting me this dance?” With the words the pinket bowed lightly, one arm behind his back and the other held out to the prince.

Dream giggled louder, wiping away a tear as he lay his hand atop Techno’s. “You’re granted permission, Captain Technoblade.” The man straightened up and didn’t hesitate to pull Dream down the stairs. As the others saw them coming they cheered loudly, raising their glasses towards the sky.

Techno stopped in the middle of the group, people around them dancing wildly by throwing each other around and interlocking arms. Everyone was laughing and the ones who didn’t were singing their soul out, maybe even loud enough to be heard down on the ground. When green eyes found red ones they were staring and wrinkles appeared around them, proofing how much Techno was smiling.

Soon he started to rock his body to the music, Dream mirroring every movement. It didn’t take long for them to dance around each other, occasionally big hands landed on Dream’s waist to guide him into a direction or position. Everyone seemed to be in their own world as Niki danced with Puffy and Philza tried teaching Tubbo the right movements. A man with goggles was dancing with one with a headband on while a blond man with rather long hair danced with another with glasses and long brown hair.

Dream almost laughed the whole time, not able to sing along as he didn’t know the text but Techno did, and he whispered them into his ear from time to time.

So fare thee well, my own true love
And when I return united we will be
It's not the leaving of Liverpool that grieves me
But my darling when I think of thee

Techno held his hand up, palm flat towards Dream and the blond pressed his own against his, smiling as they walked in a small circle, their hands not leaving. The others around them copied their dance moves, as if they were all united and friends. Well, they probably were, Dream was the odd one out.

Now the sun is on the harbour, love
And I wish I could remain
For I know it will be a long, long time
Before I see you again

As they stopped circling Techno grabbed Dream’s hand and twirled him around under his arm, one hand hovering over his hip. Dream laughed loudly, trying not to get woozy from all the turns. Eventually he stopped twirling and stood on both his feet, turned towards Techno. He lifted his arms, as did Techno, and their arms touched for a second before doing the same with the other arm, repeating the movement a few times.

Here we go!

As the song came to an end, Techno’s arms encircled Dream’s waist and pulled him closer into a dip. Dream threw one arm out above him while the other one wrapped around Techno’s neck, yelling out loudly. The people around them all applaud before the music stopped, Philza took Wilbur’s guitar as the brunette left to under the deck.

Techno and Dream were still standing there, frozen in time and breathing heavily. While Dream looked up at the man he couldn’t stop himself but admiring the man under the moon light. He was beautiful and Dream hated to admit it. How could he talk like that about the man who kidnapped him and was planning even worse?

And how was it possible that Dream saw something in his eyes? A sparkle, the kind of look he had read about in his novels, like Dream was worth a fortune. Maybe he just imagined it, maybe his simping brain was making this up, but the look Technoblade gave him was one he had always wished to receive one day in his life trapped in a golden cage.

A loud cough made the two men separate quick, Dream swallowing as he glanced over to the pinket who was coughing in his fist. Yeah, the captain was red like a cooked lobster, making Dream chuckle, knowing he didn’t look much better.

“Wilbur,” Techno said after finishing his fake coughing, slightly glaring at the brunette. “What is it?”

“I got you your nightly tea,” the man answered with a weak smile, holding a porcelain cup out to the pinket who took it. “I always make him tea in the evening before either of us goes to bed,” Wilbur explained, eyes now on Dream, eyeing the man up and down.

“Oh, ehm, okay?” Dream just mumbled, not really knowing what to do with the situation or the information. “So you all will go to sleep soon?”

“Yeah, but first,” Wilbur looked back at techno with furrowed brows, as serious as a man with brown curly hair could look. “I need to talk to you Techno, alone.”

Techno finished the sip of the tea he was taking before exhaling loudly. He returned the serious look that Wilbur gave him before turning to Dream. “You should go to bed, I’ll be there after my talk with Wilbur is done.”

Dream glanced between the two before he nodded shortly, looking to the ground as he left the two people on the deck. The rest of the crew was either already gone, cleaning up or passed out on the floor. At first he thought about staying and helping getting people to their beds or at least to clean up a bit, but one look over his shoulder revealed an angry looking Wilbur.

And he would rather not stay behind, cause if looks could kill he’d be long dead now.

So Dream willingly walked back into the captain’s quarters where he changed back into sleeping clothes. At first he just sat at the bed, wanting to wait for Techno, but all the dancing and work all day did tire him out. It didn’t take long for him to crawl up the bed and his head hitting the pillow, a loud yawn forcing it’s way out.

Within a few minute he was asleep. And even though he didn’t really wake up all night, he remembered a door opening and someone mumbling to himself. He also remembered a big hand stroking through his hair before the mattress next to him dipped and a body lay down.

That night Dream had a dream of being held by a warm body, by someone who looks at him the way he had always wanted. By a captain of a legendary ship who was not willing to ever give him away.

Chapter Text

When he started to rise from his sleep, Dream decided not to just straight-up open his eyes . Instead he enjoyed the warmth he felt under the comfortable blankets, he could feel the ship moving faster than last night, so someone was steering it. He had no clue what time it was, but there was light shining in that he could see under his eyel ids.

And then there was a hand, threading through his hair carefully, like the person wasn’t trying to wake Dream up. Eventually the hand slid down to his cheek, stroking under his eyes gently. The hand was big and rough, from someone who must have worked all their lives, maybe to survive the horrible world they were all born into.

Deep down Dream knew it was Techno, it was the logical conclusion, but he didn’t want to admit it. Because why was the man who kidnapped him so soft with him? And why did Dream want to lean into the touch? Why were they so nice to each other when the reason they ever met was a horrible one?

Why did Dream think he could trust Techno? Like he wasn’t going to give him away after all?

Dear Lord, someone come safe him, he is going crazy.

Eventually Dream started to stir, pretending he was just waking up from a deep slumber. Fast the hand moves away and the body next to him moved, the mattress giving in. When Dream opened his eyes Techno was sitting, chest bare and eyes trained forward to the desk. Dream rubbed his eyes and glanced into the direction, seeing the contract with Schlatt sitting there.

A deep sigh escaped Dream’s lips and he sat up, stroking through his curls and groaning lightly when his fingers got caught in some knots. He leaned against the headboard, looking at Techno was still staring at his desk, frown prominent on his face. Seeing as the man didn’t feel to talk, the prince decided not to break the silence between them.

Instead he used the time to look over Techno, admiring the scars on his back and the way his back was built. God, if Techno would have been one of his knights he would have made sure to end up in his-

“You hungry?” Techno cut Dream’s thoughts off and turned to look at him, pink hair hanging in all directions. And damn, it made him look even better.

Dream swallowed heavily to get rid of his dry mouth before he nodded. “Sure!” He said in a squeaky voice, immediately clearing his voice before giving it another try. “I mean, sure. Why not?” The blond shrugged and gained a deep chuckle from the other man, who finally pulled away the blanket from his lap to stand up.

Again, Dream decided to just watch the man as he scratched his belly, a yawn escaping him as he seemed to look for the clothes he wanted to wear. He decided on a slightly grey linen shirt with a wide neckline and to that black breeches with a wide red belt. The black boots and his hair in a braid rounded the outfit up.

When he finished with putting on his earrings he looked over his shoulder at Dream, one brow raised. “You gettin’ up or…?”

“Oh, yeah!” Dream spoke up, fast getting out of the bed and stretching his arms up like a cat. He noticed the shirt he was wearing riding up and exposing more of his thighs and he didn’t miss Techno glancing at the bare skin. A smirk fell over Dream’s lips and he coughed loudly, making Techno jump lightly. “Do you have a shirt for me?”

Techno looked at him for a few seconds before he pulled himself out of his thoughts. He was really cute for such a big guy who could probably push Dream to the ground whenever he wanted. Not that the prince would ever think of something like that, never ever. “Sure,” Techno said as he threw a white shirt on the bed.

Dream simply put on the same pants from the day before with his boots, the shirt Techno gave him was a lace-up shirt and he decided to not tie it together in the front. And yes, he noticed Techno watching him, it was kind of the plan. Then he clipped the corset around his waist again and simply ruffled through his hair before turning to the captain.

“Ready?” Techno asked and Dream nodded, following the man out of the cabin, into the hallway and then to the dining room. It was simply a room connected to the kitchen with a long table in the middle of it. Most people of the crew were already sitting on their usual seats, the one at the head of the table free and the one on it’s left.

It had been explained to him that usually Wilbur sat there, but ever since Dream arrived Techno told him to move one seat down. The simple reason was that he wanted to make sure Dream wasn’t trying to do anything.

The two sat down and Dream could feel Wilbur glaring at him, but he just ignored it. Wilbur was the only person of the crew who seemed to have a problem with Dream, the others treated him like he was part of them. Which was a bit weird, considering he got kidnapped by them, but at the same time he got treated so much worse in the palace. Those pirates treated him better than his own father ever did in all his life and that realisation made Dream’s guts twist and his heart clench.

“Morning Captain!” Tommy cheered loudly as he and Tubbo started to put plates filled with food in front of everyone. “And morning Dream!” The kind grinned widely, a tooth missing and hair a bit crazy, like he didn’t have the time to brush it.

“Oh, uhm,” Dream stuttered lightly, looking down at the plate that was placed in front of him. Scrambled eggs with some fried fish sticks were arranged on it, together with some cooked carrots. It looked delicious and saliva started gathering in his mouth. For just a second he forgot about Tommy, but when another plate was placed for the seat next to him, he looked back up. “Morning to you, too, Tommy.”

Tommy looked up and grinned widely at him, before retreating into the kitchen to get another plate. It didn’t take long for everyone to get their breakfast and sitting down, Wilbur sending Dream another stinky eye, but he just ignored it. “Well then, I hope y’all like it!” Puffy exclaimed loudly with a bright smile and once she started eating, everyone else does as well.

And just like Dream had anticipated the food was delicious, but he really didn’t expect anything else. When he had talked to Puffy the day before he found out about her family and that everyone was a chef, she said it was in her blood. Puffy was happy that she could help an amazing crew with her skills while also doing what she loves most and even seeing the whole world while doing so.

He glanced at the woman who was laughing at something Sam – another crew mate and the mechanic of the crew – said. Looking at her reminded him that not all pirates were inherently bad or evil and it was always a matter of their past and perspective. He understood why she turned against the crown and chose the pirates life. Shit, if Dream had the choice he himself would be against the crown, considering he knew how horrible his father was.

“Techno,” Wilbur spoke up as he picked up his glass filled with water, he peeked at Dream before his brown eyes met red ones. Techno looked up from his plate, he had been quiet the whole time so Wilbur caught him a bit off guard. “I have some amazing news!”

The people around them looked up, the ones sitting further away kept eating and in their conversation. Philza cocked a brow at the brunette and Techno swallowed a mouthful of his food. “What are those news?” Tommy asked with a grin, probably expecting something big like their next target.

“I adjusted our course a bit and let the ship fly a bit faster this morning,” the man told, a smug smile on his face. He glanced at Dream before looking back at his friends, “and with all this we’ll be able to arrive tonight already instead of tomorrow morning. Around ten hours earlier.”

Silence fell over the corner of the table, Dream swallowed heavily at those words. He had hoped to have more time and convince Techno to not give him away to Schlatt. Now Wilbur had actively – knowingly – made sure that he wouldn’t be able to do it.

“You touched the wheel of my ship?” Techno spoke up, voice dark and in a warning tone. A shiver ran down Dream’s neck, the man sounded mad, almost like he was growling. For the first time in a while Dream didn’t just see Technoblade, instead he saw the captain of the most feared pirate crew in history. “You just adjusted stuff without my knowledge?”

Wilbur swallowed heavily at that but tried to keep his cheery persona up. He adjusted his sitting position and looked at Techno, smile now weaker but still there. “Well, it was for everyone’s best interest. I shouldn’t have done this though so I apologize, it won’t happen again.” Techno huffed and nodded at him. Before anyone could say anything else Wilbur jumped up, his chair squeaking over the ground and making everyone wince. “I’ll send out a message crow real fast!”

“Wilbur,” Techno called out and the man froze, the smile slowly fading and his head tilted. Techno swallowed the last bite of his food as he pointed to the now empty chair, commanding Wilbur silently to sit down again. “You do not send out some crow to Schlatt,” Techno said calm, not even looking at the brunet as he used a napkin to wipe off his mouth, placing it on his empty plate afterwards.

“...What?” Wilbur asked, glancing around the table to try and make eye contact with someone. Most were looking away though, only Philza and Techno dared to meet his eyes. “Why not?”

“Because we already have a meeting date and time and that is tomorrow morning,” Techno explained. “We will simply let the ship sail slower tonight to make up the time.”

“But why?” Wilbur asked once again, weakly glaring at Techno as he tensed up, sitting on the edge of his seat. “We could get rid of him faster,” he now pointed at Dream who flinched lightly, “and could get Ranboo back sooner!”

An eerie quietness fell over the group, Dream glanced around to see the other’s reactions. Tommy and Tubbo looked down at their laps, the blond had a deep frown on his face. Philza was leaning back in his chair, his arms crossed in front of his chest as he glared at Wilbur. And then there was Niki who had stayed silent all this time, she looked the angriest out of all of them. “Do not use Ranboo for a reason when in reality you just want to get rid of Dream,” she spat out, eyes narrowed at the man sitting next to her.

“Wha- I am not!”

“Yes you are!” Niki raised her voice and Dream noticed how the rest of the table had gone silent. When they noticed that no one was talking anymore the people who originally weren’t involved started speaking up again. It were wrong laughter and awkward smalltalk questions and everyone knew those weren’t normal conversations. “I don’t know why you dislike Dream like that, but you start having a problem with me when you use Ranboo to disguise your hate for care.”

Wilbur was about to say something else, but Techno cleared his throat loudly and got everyone’s attention. “Alright, enough with that,” he stood up from his chair, gaining the attention of everyone else at the table. “We are meeting up with Schlatt as planned, not sooner and not later. There’s no reason to rush anything other then stressing ourselves out. So we won’.t” And with that Wilbur huffed loudly before leaving. The rest returned to their food.

Dream glanced at Techno but the man was already looking at him. Before he could say anything, like voice his concern about what had just happened, the pinket winked at him. He winked ! And all Dream was able to do was look away and feel his face heating up.

Fuck him, why was the captain so fucking hot?! Of all the people Dream could be attracted to he really chose the man who ordered to kidnap him in order to give him away. Any maybe that was the reason why Wilbur wanted to hurry up the whole process, because it looked like the captain was just as interested in Dream as Dream was in him.

And that was dangerous. That was dangerous for Dream and for the crew ‘cause, even if the possibility was small, was happened when Techno wouldn’t give the blond to Schlatt? What would Schlatt do? Could he even do something to a crew like the one of The Syndicate?

With one last bite Dream stood up fast, “I’m done!” He called out, getting everyone’s eyes on him. “May I… leave and…”

“And…?” Niki prompted him to continue.

“And… I don’t know to be honest. Clean the deck maybe?”

“Or,” Philza spoke up at the same time as he stood up, “you come with me and help me out instead?” When Dream didn’t answer and glanced at Techno in a ‘Help me out here’-way. But instead of helping him out, the pinket grinned and waved his hand at Dream, signing him to go with Philza.

“Great!” the older man chirped as he walked away, Dream running after him fast. “I need some help organising some scrolls I got. We got hit by some big wind wave last night and one of my shelves just, you know, fell over.”

“Fell over?” Dream repeated, eyes wide, “aren’t they like, bolted to the wall of the ship?”

“Usually yeah,” Philza agreed with a nod, leading the two down the ship to Philza’s cabin. It was right under Techno’s. “But this was a new one and we didn’t yet find the time. And honestly I forgot. It was already filled with scrolls and I just was in denial that it wasn’t attached to the wall yet.”

Dream chuckled under his breath at that, Philza joining in. When they finally arrived at the door he opened it and Dream’s eyes widened. The floor was covered in scrolls, some open and some still closed, some wrinkled even. The shelf still lay on the ground, probably more scrolls under it. It was a total mess.

“First things first,” Philza said as he stepped in, careful not to step on the scrolls and instead pushing them away gently. “Let’s get that shelf back up.” He turned and smiled at Dream, waiting for him to get to the shelf on the ground. Dream walked up and helped the older man with the task, only then noticing how high the shelf was. Together they secured it to the wall, making sure it wouldn’t fall over once again.

Then they began to clear through the scrolls. Philza explained his sorting system: he had them sorted by theme, like contracts, cards, general information about the world, other pirates, the kingdom, and so on. And as they worked they talked and opened up a bit to each other.

At some point Dream felt comfortable enough to ask a probably sensitive question. “So… who is Ranboo?”

Philza glanced up from the scroll he was reading; however, he looked back down as they talked. “Ranboo was a former crew member of ours. One of the youngest, good friends with Tommy and Tubbo.”

“What happened to him...?” But Philza just shook his head, indicating he didn’t want to talk about Ranboo right now. All Dream knew was that he had something to do with Schlatt and also the revive book—why else would Niki have mentioned him? So maybe Dream was the first who had to open up in order to get some more information.

“You know, I grew up in a palace, as the next prince,” he started, putting some scrolls away he had sorted out already. “My father, the current king, he loathes me.” Dream chuckled under his breath and glimpsed at Philza, the man had his gaze still at the scroll in his hands but he was listening. Because his eyes weren’t moving back and forth like he’d be reading, instead they seemed to move all over the paper.

“At first not, of course,” Dream explained further, deciding just to keep talking. “I heard that he was really happy when I was born. I am a boy after all, an heir he could raise as a little version of himself to later lead the country the way he intended. But once I was old enough to have my own interests and move around, his happiness started to slip.”

Remembering all this was hard, the way Dream grew up. Everyone expected a prince to grow up in a – funny enough – dream. That he just needed to clap his hands to get what he wanted and like he was allowed to do whatever. But in reality his daily life was filled with lessons about how it’s going to be when he was king.

“My mother, on the other hand, was a wonderful person who adored me from the second I was born,” Dream smiled as he thought back to her. “She was patient, calm, and a little goofy. She didn’t mind when I started being interested in non-political stuff. When I learned horseback riding she was with me. When I told her I wanted to see the world and not be kept in this castle she talked to my father alongside me. She said I could travel now, live my young live and return once it’s time to rule. But he was against it.”

Dream huffed, turning to look at Philza. “She’s dead, died when I was fifteen. Sudden cardiac arrest. My father was with her when it happened, while I was out riding my horse through a forest. When I returned he slapped me, told me that’s what happens when I try to dream and do anything other than learn how to rule. That I could have been there for her last breath. I never forgave myself.”

Philza looked at Dream, slowly putting the scroll down and walking up to the prince. His hands placed on Dream shoulder, looking in his eyes. “It wasn’t your fault, Dream,” the man assured, squeezing his shoulders gently. “No one can predict a sudden cardiac arrest, it can happen to anyone anytime. What your father said was probably not even true. When something like that happens, death is fast and the chance of not dying is small, even when immediate help is there.

Green eyes stared into blue ones, Dream could feel the tears gathering. He hadn’t even known that, cause he almost didn’t know anything about health related stuff. Cause his father never let him study it, said a king didn’t need to know, that was his doctor’s job. All those years of self loathing and all because his father hated him, tried to guilt Dream into his princely duties.

“...Ever since then I mostly studied to become King,” Dream continued, Philza let go of him, listening and helping to p ut the last scrolls away. “I was there when he spoke to his advisers, to the council, to people who asked for help. He taught me about other kingdoms and introduced me to people who wanted to work with him. That’s how I met Schlatt.”

It was then that Philza glanced at him again, stopping his movement for just a second before continuing like nothing happened. “Jay Schlatt, a King of cruelty who is leading his kingdom with fear and blood. I always hated him.”

“Did you tell your father?”

Dream nodded, finally placing the last scroll on the shelf. “Yeah, but he didn’t listen to me. Said I was talking bullshit and didn’t have enough experience to be able to understand stuff like that. With every new meeting I had told him, and every time he found a new reason to dismiss me. And now here I am, kidnapped because of this man. Wouldn’t be surprised if my father also had his hands in this.”

“He didn’t,” Philza cl arified , turning to Dream completely, “it seems to be some personal interest of Schlatt to have you.”

“Great,” Dream joked with a dry chuckle. Silence overtook the room, dancing around them like a ballerina dancing to Swan Lake. “Is there anything else you need my help with?” Instead of answering Philza just shook his head and with that Dream left, walking back to the deck.

On his way he ran into Niki who smiled at him and asked him to help her and Puffy out in the kitchen. They were planning a little celebration they regularly did to keep the crew’s spirit up and always prepared quiet some food and drinks. Happily Dream agreed; Niki and Puffy were some of the nicest people on the ship, so spending time with them wouldn’t be so hard.

And as they worked in the kitchen – preparing every kind of food you could think of – Dream didn’t even notice how everyone else was preparing the deck of the ship. So when he stepped out you could only guess how surprised he was finding fairy lights strung across the deck. Be that along the railing or from mast to mast, it looked amazing. There were tables and seat options and candles. Some people had already started celebrating, playing music and dancing around.

Once all the food was out on the deck and placed on a large table, the party only started. Dream ate some of the delicious food he had prepared with Niki and Puffy, watching how others enjoyed it just as much. Then he danced with everyone, let Tommy and Tubbo teach him the lyrics of some of the songs. Puffy showed him some of the special dances to certain songs and at some point one of the crew members told him some pirate jokes, making everyone close to them laugh out.

It was amazing, it was an atmosphere he had never before felt, completely different than the stiff balls that were held in the castle. Those people here on the ship actually had fun, they actually enjoyed the crowd around them and didn’t feel the need to fake smiles. No, all this was real and raw and just beautiful. He couldn’t believe that this crew got feared by everyone on the planet.

He had the feeling that, for the first time in his life, Dream had found friends.

Through the whole night the blond felt eyes on him and a few times was able to catch them. Red meeting green, the captain always had an eye on the blond, never even looking away when Dream noticed it. Instead a smile grew on his lips, daring Dream to keep looking, but he was too weak. Each time his face turned warm and he couldn’t hold the intense eye contact, he just couldn’t. He was afraid, cause he knew what it was that he was feeling for the captain.

It was bad. Oh so bad. But it also felt so so good.

The later it got, the calmer everyone was. Until everyone was in their small group, talking and chuckling together. It was then that Dream excused himself, needing some alone time and walked up to the railing, away from the rest. He leaned against it and looked at the sky, sometimes chuckling when they flew right through a cloud.

It didn’t take long for Dream to hear footsteps approaching him, with a glance over his shoulder he wasn’t surprised to see Techno. The captain smiled and put a violin bag down before leaning against the railing as well, right next to Dream. The silence stayed for a bit, it wasn’t comfortable or anything, it was calm and welcomed.

After a while Techno started talking, not looking at Dream as he did so. “Philza told me that you asked about Ranboo,” said, making Dream glance at him before nodding. “Well, Ranboo was a former crew member, quiet young with a lot of potential. Always eager to find a peaceful way, to help everyone out and make the world a better place. And that was his downfall.”

Techno inhaled deeply before exhaling again, turning lightly to look at Dream. The blonde turned as well, making sure to show Techno that he had his full attention. “...you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” Dream assured, not wanting to put any pressure on the captain.

But Techno shook his head and met Dream’s gaze. “No, it’s important for you to know this, it’s your right to know who you were kidnapped for.” Dream gulped at those words and gave a short nod. “Ranboo died a few months ago, we were working on a mission from some royal douchebag which ended at an animal filled island. It was horrible for the pets, but we weren’t there for them and didn’t have the time. Ranboo pleaded to help them but I told him we couldn’t. We fought and I told him if he wanted to he had to do it on his own.”

“...and he did,” Dream finished for Techno who nodded with a heavy sigh.

“He was supposed to stay at the ship but sneaked out to set the animals free. He wasn’t supposed to be there at that spot, he was supposed to be safe like the other kids. Instead he got caught in the crossfire, shot right in the heart, dead immediately.” Techno wetted his lips and cleared his throat.

There were tears in his eyes and in a show of comfort Dream placed his hand on top of Techno’s, squeezing it lightly. The pinket squeezed back, taking a bit to gather himself again, to return to his act of the strong captain. “If I just would have helped him or at least said that we would return for them-”

“Don’t,” Dream interrupted, stepping closer to Techno, still holding his hand tightly. “Don’t blame yourself, it won’t change the past and I am sure Ranboo wouldn’t want that.” Techno stared at him for a second, and for a moment Dream thought he may have gone too far with the last part. But then Techno smiled weakly before taking the blond’s other hand as well.

“This is why we need the revive book,” he finished, holding Dream’s gaze, “to bring him back and give him the life he deserved.”

It was hard to hear but it was obvious, of course Dream wasn’t as important as Ranboo was. He had only been here for a couple days and half of those he spent hating the people on the ship. Believing that he wouldn’t be given up for someone like Ranboo was ridiculous. But Dream was happy to know the story now, at least he knew that he wasn’t gonna be given away for something as meaningless as treasures.

As no one said anything any more Techno removed his hands to grab the violin he had placed next to him before. He placed the instrument under his chin and began playing, looking at his fingers and the strings of the violin. Dream watched him mesmerized. Green eyes and wondering how he could have lived that long without listening to this man play.

It wasn’t a go happy song you usually heard on a pirate ship, instead is sounded melancholic, like Techno had put all his feelings into that song. The other people a few feet away from them were quieter now, listening in on the playing but Dream didn’t waste time looking over at them. His eyes were glued on the man in front of him who seemed to slowly come to an end.

Once done the violin was carefully placed back on the ground and Dream couldn’t stop but smile when he met red eyes. “Was that my farewell gift?” He asked, speaking through the lump in his throat yet with a gentle smile.

Techno chuckled amused but shook his head. “No, I decided we will not send you away,” said the pinket. “Ranboo wouldn’t want me to do this to get him back, that would go against everything he stands for.”

Dream stared at Techno, mouth slightly open as he watched pink hair sway in the wind. He was safe. He was not going to be given away like some thing to trade with. Would that mean he'd be returned home? Was he gonna return to his kingdom and greet his father who had never even tried searching for him? And would that mean Techno had given up on Ranboo?

“What about Ranboo?” He asked, it seemed like it was the most important thing to ask, the most important part to Techno.

“We will find another way to get that book,” Techno said, eyes focused on the horizon in front of him. “We will get Ranboo back. We will meet with Schlatt and tell him you got rescued or killed, that we will give him something else instead.”

Dream nodded at that, following Techno's gaze as they flew through another cloud. “...What about me?” His voice was small, unsure. Fear was hidden beneath the tone, not wanting to show it to the captain. He had no right to be scared, he would be set free.

Techno took a deep breath and turned back to Dream, looking into green eyes that shone in the moonlight. “We can bring you back home,” he said with a soft voice before stepping closer to Dream once more, a big hand wrapping around Dream's waist, “or you could stay with us, on the ship. Sail over the world with my crew and I.”

That sounded amazing. It was exactly what Dream wanted, what he had wished to do. A smile spread over his face and he pressed himself closer to Techno, hands finding his chest. “That would be amazing, actually.”

A chuckle came from the pinket, a smile mirroring Dream's spreading on his face. He bit his lower lip before clearing his throat. “Dream,” he started, his hand squeezing the waist it lay one, “I know we haven't been with each other for that long and the way we met wasn't really the best either.”

At that Dream raised a brow, looking up at Techno in amusement. “You think so?”

Techno scoffed at and shook his head before continuing. “I don't know how to say this but for some reason I feel connected to you. There isn't really an explanation for this and I don't want to burden you with this. I don't even know how to properly describe it to you- it's just- I- You and I, we-”

Dream stopped his rambling with a finger to his mouth, smiling softly. “I get it, Techno. I feel the same,” he whispered, standing on his tiptoes to make sure he would be heard. Techno smiled, looking glad that he didn't have to explain it any more, finding those words were hard. Love was too intense for what it was, yet. But there was something there and Dream was glad he wasn't the only one feeling it.

With a sigh Techno leaned down, pulling Dream closer to his chest. They were so close, and Dream was ready. All he wanted was to feel Techno, to be embraced by him and to simply be with him. Time around them stopped, it was like the wind waited for them to finally kiss, to do what they had wanted all this time.

But just as their lips was about to touch a loud cough tore them out of their bubbles, bursting it and making their world crash. Techno sighed in annoyance and turned to the person who interrupted them, Dream took a step back, the hand on his waist didn't leave though.

In front of them stood Wilbur with a cup of tea in his hand. “Wilbur,” Techno grumbled. The man's gaze was flying between them, looking at them with a hint of disgust. Dream ignored it, it seems so did Techno. As long as Wilbur kept his opinion to himself there was no trouble.

“Your tea, Techno,” answered Wilbur, holding the cup out to his captain. “The others started cleaning up and since I want to go to sleep I had to make your tea now.” It was reasonable, Wilbur shouldn't have to wait just because Techno and Dream were lost in themselves.

Techno sighed, accepting that Wilbur had a good reason to interrupt him. The captain liked his tea hot, so waiting around wasn't an option. “Thank you, Wilbur,” he said as he took the cup, immediately taking a sip. “Did you add something to it? It tastes different.”

Wilbur smiled at him, like he was happy Techno noticed. “We bought some new spices last time we were at an harbour. This is the first time I used it, do you enjoy it?”

A hum came from he pinket. “Yeah, it tastes good.” Wilbur's smile grew and he glanced towards Dream for a second. Dream didn't like it. “Anyway, you are dismissed Wilbur, thank you.” Wilbur bowed towards Techno and sent yet another glance at Dream before walking off.

Dream sighed at the same time Techno yawned, he chuckled at him. “Ready to sleep?” Dream asked, already pulling Techno along towards the captain's room. The man chuckled tiredly, following without any complain.

Once they arrived in the cabin they changed into light clothes, wide shirts and pants before climbing into the bed. Dream felt strong arms wrap around him and lips pressed against the top of his head. Before he had a chance to turn and look at Techno the man was already knocked out. He must have been tired, the role as a captain was hard.

But now Dream was by his side to help him. He would make sure Techno took breaks when he needed them.

…

Dream was shaken awake, he wanted to sit up, to wonder who was touching him. Hands too small for Techno, to rough with him to be from the man who had held him so gently earlier that night. When his eyes opened and his senses came back to him, he felt something cold and sharp against his throat.

On top of him wasn't Technoblade, it was Wilbur with a dagger held against Dream's throat. His green eyes were wide open, confusion spread over his face and he was hoping that this was just a nightmare. It couldn't be true.

Wilbur placed his finger over his own lips, signaling Dream to stay quiet. The pressure against his throat just indicated it further. Dream nodded carefully and glanced towards Techno – his lover, or so he hoped so – and wished he could wake him. But any sudden move could kill him. And he didn't know what Wilbur was capable of.

He was surprised that Wilbur was able to break into the cabin without them waking up, without Techno waking up. Usually the captain woke up from any unusual noise, but not this time. That's when he realised that Wilbur must have put something into the tea, that this must have been the reason why he had fallen asleep so fast.

The tea had tasted different than usual.

They should have known.

With the dagger against his throat and hands behind his back held by Wilbur, the two left the cabin. They walked towards the escape boats, Dream had seen then before. They were to be used in emergencies, but Dream could guess what Wilbur was going to do.

They climbed in, Wilbur replaced the dagger with a gun, pressed against Dream’s throat, and forced him off the ship. It was floating off, away from the ship. Away from Dream's lover, from his future life, from his freedom.

God, he was scared.

“Put those on,” Wilbur demanded, throwing clothes towards Dream who caught them. It was a big white ruffled shirt, slightly transparent and tight black pants with heeled boots. As he put the short on it revealed a big slit at the front, showing off his chest. The implication of him wearing it disgusted him. It made fear spread through his body. “Schlatt gave those to us before we went looking for you. He has requested for you to wear it.”

Dream huffed as he tied up the boots along his knees, his hands trembling. “Why are you doing this, Wilbur?” He asked, looking up at the man, the barrel of the gun still aimed towards him. Not at his head, at his leg so he wouldn't die. So he could still be given over to Schlatt.

“I want that book, Dream,” Wilbur confessed, eyes cold.

“Ranboo wouldn't want to-”

“I don't care for Ranboo,” yelled Wilbur, his stared at Dream. He looked crazy, like a completely different person. “Sure getting Ranboo back was a plus, but I want it for myself. I would have stolen it from Techno sooner or later. Do you know how powerful I will be with this book? Once I get to decide who lives and who perish away like dogs? Kings will come to me, they will pay me.”

Wilbur stepped closer and leaned down towards Dream, too close to comfort with an insane smirk on his lips. “I will be a God.” He moved away again, laughing at the situation. “Technoblade got blinded by the feelings he developed for you, which is utterly ridiculous! You were supposed to just be a token to give away, instead he looks at you like you are the most precious treasure in the world. It's disgusting!”

Dream stayed quiet. He had known about the way Wilbur felt about him, he had seen how he had looked at Techno and him. Dream wasn't blind, he wasn't dumb, he just had hoped that the friendship to Techno and the rest of the crew had been stronger than those feelings. Now it seemed like everyone had just been a toy for Wilbur's end goal.

It was too late to do anything about this now. Wilbur had won, Dream had lost. He had lost so much.

Shortly after they arrived at the meeting point. The boat slowed down and Dream looked up, Schlatt and some of his men were already waiting at the shore of an island. A smug grin prominent on the man, his hands behind his back.

The boat stopped and they climbed out, Dream didn't say a word. All he wanted to do was cry. “Wilbur!” Schlatt called, stepping closer to the two with his hand reached out. “I am so glad you made it, at least one person of the Syndicate uses his brain.”

Wilbur huffed and shook Schlatt's hand before pushing Dream forward to him. Schlatt grinned and grabbed Dream by his waist, pulling him right against his own chest. His nose buried in Dream's neck and he inhaled deeply, hands roaming over Dream's waist and hip and chest and all Dream wanted was to get away. To get those hands off of him and return back to Technoblade, to the man he loved.

Shit. He loved Technoblade, didn't he? And now there would never be a chance of telling him.

Dream squeezed his eyes closed and tried to pull away, tried to somehow escape but Schlatt held onto him. “You stay right here, prince. You belong to me now.”

“You disgust me,” Dream bit out, glaring at the man who he always hated, who had always been weird. Who was going t destroy him.

“Aw, Dreamie,” he hushed, his lips close to Dream's, hand now in blond curls and forcing him to look at him. “Acting so tough, don't you? But it's fine, I love breaking down strong willed people.” He cackled out, licking over Dream's cheek who tried thrashing around.

“Schlatt,” Wilbur called out, glaring at the man. “What about the book?”

Schlatt looked up and cocked his head at Wilbur. “Right, the book.” He turned to one of his men and nodded towards him. Said man stepped forward, pulling out a book from his bag. It looked so normal, like it was just a normal book. An old book, like it was going to lose pages. Yet when the moon shone right at it you could see a violet hue.

No doubt, this was the revive book.

Wilbur's eyes widened in glee and he eagerly spread out his arm, ready to finally take what he always wanted. But before he could reach it a shot was fired, right between Wilbur's eyes. Schlatt had pulled out a gun and shot Wilbur with no hesitation, laughing after he did it. “This idiot really thought I would give him the book, was a fucking joke!”

Dream's eyes were wide as he stared at Wilbur on the ground, blood pooling under his head. Schlatt had no mercy, the second Wilbur was useless he had gotten rid of him. He had no honor, he was a monster.

Again hands pulled at him, lips were placed against his neck and Dream knew he had to get away from him. It was better to fight and be killed than just enduring this mess. This was no life waiting for him, it was hell. And he'd rather be dead and go to the real hell than to endure it in a living state.

So he fought, he tried pushing Schlatt off, tried kicking him and biting him. Schlatt got angry, he yelled and ordered his men to stop Dream and within a few minutes three men were holding him down while his hands were tied together behind his back. Dream really had enough of being tied up like this. “You're so stubborn Dream, but that is what I like about you,” Schlatt said, squeezing Dream's cheeks between his hand. “I will have so much fun with you, but first I have to get you home, there we can be in private.”

Dream glared at him, breathing heavily and blaring his teeth before he felt a sudden sharp pain in his neck. From the corner of his eyes he saw a man pulling away a syringe from him. They had injected him with something, he felt his blood burning and his eyes getting heavy.

Before the man was able to pick Dream up he fell on the ground, a shot ringing through the air. A clean shot to the back of his head, dead within a second. Just like Wilbur.

Schlatt cursed under his breath before looking up, Dream doing the same. There, over them, floated The Syndicate. He was barely able to make out Niki with a sniper rifle, aiming down at them as smaller boats were descending down towards the ground.

Dream tried staying away, whatever they had put into his body was trying to force him to sleep. But he saw Techno, he saw sword clashing, he called out for him. Red eyes fell on him immediately and he could see the determination of getting to Dream in those eyes. He would be safed, Techno would get him. It didn't even matter that Schlatt was picking him up, Techno would get to him, he trusted in that.

...

When Dream woke up he had expected to be saved already, to be back on The Syndicate with Techno by his side. Instead what he saw when he escaped the darkness was Schlatt, leaning over him with a stare only a maniac could carry. There was a gun pressed against his throat, just like Wilbur had done. You'd think he was going to get used to the feeling by now.

“Hey Dreamie,” Schlatt whispered, the knife sliding along the skin of his throat and cheek. “You think you'd escape from me? That fucking Technoblade would come and get you? God, you are dumber than your father.”

His breath stank and spit flew out of his mouth with every new word. Schlatt sat on him, pressing down on him every time Dream tried to move to stop him. “You look so much like your father,” he said, his free hand stroking over Dream's cheek, thumb over his lips. “From the first time I saw you I wanted you as mine, but you tried to stay away from me, no? You knew I wanted you and tried to stop me from having you?” He sounded crazy, like some obsessive stalker he got warned about from his father some time.

“Schlatt, stop this,” Dream bit out, still trying to get the man off of him.

“Shh,” hushed Schlatt, getting his face closer to Dream's. “I wanted your Dad so bad, Dream. He was supposed to be mine, to kneel for me and let me do whatever I wanted. But you are even better, aren't you?” He forced Dream to look at him, to stare at those eyes that yelled 'danger'. “A younger version of him, one that I can finally claim as mine.”

He was about to press his lips against Dream, to force him to do something he really didn't want to do. Another call out for Techno, filled with fear and disgust, pleading not to be used like that.

“Get off of him!” Came the answer, Dream cried out in relief as he recognized the voice. Techno was here, he had come to him, he had found him. Before he could react Schlatt climbed off and pulled Dream up, gun pressed to the side of his neck. “Schlatt, let go of him.” Demanded Techno, covered in blood and eyes filled with rage.

“Get lost, Techno!” Schlatt screamed, breathing heavy. “He is mine now, he belongs to me! You can't have him. He is a prince and shouldn't be around pirates, he belongs in a nice room where I can look after him, where I alone can take good care of him.”

“Dream doesn't belong to anyone,” yelled Techno, sword in hand. His disgust towards the spoken words were obvious, his rage getting more prominent with every new word. “He's a person with a soul and a will, not an object you can keep locked up!”

Silence fell over them and for a moment Dream thought that maybe Schlatt agreed, but then he started laughing. With every second his laughter grew louder, crazier, like had never heard anything funnier. Like Dream was just a joke to him.

It was enough, Dream had enough of being treated like that. Years with his father acting like he was a disgrace. Then getting kidnapped to be traded in like some object and now Schlatt who thought he could do with him whatever he wanted.

Dream was strong, he was his own person who studied and took lessons to protect himself. He wasn’t a weak prince like people tried to picture him who didn’t know what work was. All his life he had tried proofing himself, had wanted to show people who he was and now he had finally people who cared for him for himself, not for his title.

Schlatt was not going to take this away from him.

W ith a shout Dream threw himself backwards at the man, making him stumble. Dream used his head to slam the gun out of Schlatt’s hand, making it fly a few feet away from them. Techno took the chance to run at them, aiming his sword right at Schlatt.

However, the man was quick enough to pull his own sword and protected himself with it. Dream took the distraction to try and free himself from the rope around his wrists. Thanks to his struggling – and the fact that The Syndicate showed up – the rope was rather lose. He had a chance, he had learned to free himself from situations like this.

He kept wiggling his wrists around, pulling at the rope over and over again. Then he noticed a rather sharp stone in the ground. Just the tool he needed. While Techno and Schlatt fought, Dream pressed the rope against the stone, moving his wrists up and down to cut through it. Schlatt’s gun lay a few feet away. He had to get it, once he had it they would have an advantage. Dream could shoot him, he could end this.

A fter a few more tries he was able to make it, his hands were free and he threw the rope away. Dream looked around and his face lit up when he saw the gun laying on the ground just a few feet away. The problem was that Schlatt had noticed Dream being free and also the gun. Just like the asshole Schlatt was he threw dirt right into Techno’s face, making the man stumble back with his sword up for protection while rubbing his eyes.

Dream ran. Schlatt ran. And once Techno’s eye were fine again he ran as well. The injection from before was still running through Dream’s blood, it made him weaker, slower. It let Schlatt get to close to him.

But he reached the gun first and turned around. One shot. Aimed right at Schlatt. And it hit, the men fell, eyes wide, blood escaping his body and fell on the ground as a limp body fell against Dream. He heard Techno stop running at the same time he felt a sharp pain through his stomach.

It didn’t hurt long, just for a second before it got replaced by pressure in his stomach. His strength left him the next second. All he could do was push Schlatt off of him before he fell backwards on the ground, the sword that had impaled his stomach fell out of his body from that.

He heard a scream. Loud, terrified, like someone just saw the most horrified thing in existence. Suddenly Techno was above him, kneeling on the ground and hands hovering over his body. Dream looked at him, he was beautiful. His pink hair shone in the rising sun with blood splotted over his face, he looked ethereal, like a God.

Hands were on Dream’s face and finally the ringing in his ear s stopped as Techno’s voice broke through. “Dream, you need to stay awake, shit!” Cursed the pinket, looking around and calling for Philza. Dream just watched him, he felt cold and dark spots gathered at the corner of his vision. He could feel himself tremble, he wanted to reach out for the man he loved.

“’echno,” he coughed out, feeling blood run down the corner of his mouth. Dream knew what was happening, he knew what he had to do now. “Yer… s’ b’tiful...”

“Shut up,” Techno told him as he pressed down on the wound, tears streaming down his face. “Don’t do this to me, Dream. I can’t lose you now,” he told him, constantly looking at him. Dream wished he could hold him, wished he could tell him it would be okay. But he didn’t have the time for lies, he had to say what needed to be said.

He was running out of time.

Dream smiled at him, he knew it looked pained and gruesome, he knew about the blood on his face. But he powered through it, he wanted to leave Techno with a smile on his lips, he wanted to be remembered with it. “T’chno...” he said as he could feel himself drift away, as the darkness pulled him under more and more. “My Cap’n... m-my love--- ‘s gon’ be o-okay.. I’ll… I’ll be th’re... always. F-feel me... in th’ wind... kn-know ‘m fin’lly free...”

He leaned up as far as he could, using all the strength he had left. It was only a few centimetres from the ground, but Techno met him, pressing his forehead against Dream’s. “T’chn…. I l-love you...” was all Dream could get out before everything turned dark. As his eyes closed and his head fell back on the ground he could swear he saw Techno’s lips moving, echoing his own.

One second Dream was there on the ground, a prisoner of fate. The next he was free.

…

And the universe said I love you

And the universe said you have played the game well

And the universe said everything you need is within you

And the universe said you are stronger than you know

And the universe said you are the daylight

And the universe said you are the night

And the universe said the darkness you fight is within you

And the universe said the light you seek is within you

And the universe said you are not alone

And the universe said you are not separate from every other thing

And the universe said you are the universe tasting itself, talking to itself, reading its own code

And the universe said I love you because you are love.

There was light. There was a book. There was chanting in a dark voice that sounded like love itself.

And the game was over and the player woke up from the dream. And the player began a new dream. And the player dreamed again, dreamed better. And the player was the universe. And the player was love.

A name was called. It sounded like someone was pleading with the Gods themselves.

You are the player.

Eyes flickered. Fingers twitched. A chest started to move. A heart started to beat.

Wake up.

Green eyes opened and they shone with freedom.