Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Not. A. Word." Tommy hissed at his best friend.

The brunette giggled, giving him a very amused look from the other side of the campfire. They had to keep the fire low, as they didn't want to get caught when they had ran for almost two hours. ....After running the whole day. It seems like, nowadays, all they did was run.

Tommy huffed, feeding the horse, the animal giving a small snort of appreciation, "Stop that. I don't want to hear a fucking peep from you."

"Dream is flirting with you! You slept with him! And he's flirting with you!" His best friend laughed, laying on the ground, his chin in his hands as he giggled.

"Tubbo, I don't want to hear shit when you flirted and made out with The BLADE!" Tommy yelled, glaring and making Tubbo blush darkly.

"F-For the last time, I didn't know it was him! He looks so pretty, not like a fucking pig! How was I suppose to know Technoblade was not a pig when we grew up with him as a pig!"

"Well, 'Pretty Man,' as you so called him, certainly wants to sleep with you-"

"Yeah, well Dream wants to sleep with you again! I'm not the only one being chased now!" Tubbo declared, as if he was triumphant in this petty argument they were having.

"Shut up, Tubbo! I hate you!" Tommy groaned, putting his face in his hands.

"Yeah, yeah. Love you too, Toms." Tubbo laid down on his makeshift sleeping bag, "...We gotta put the fire out soon and figure out what the hell we're suppose to do..."

"You're telling me." Tommy also laid down, "I've been flirting with an alternate version of a guy who wants nothing more than to kill me!"

"Same here, except the guy I like is an alternate version of someone who's basically your older brother."

"This is the wooooorst."

"For real..."

~~~

About five or six months ago, Tommy and Tubbo were simple boys exploring the land together, just having a journey all by themselves. No one could stop them, taking a break from their stressed filled lives. They were twenty five and twenty six (Tubbo older, which he loved to tease Tommy abour), yet they had fought in many wars over stupid things, frankly. They needed a break. They already died multiple times in the past, already down to one permanent life, seeing as they lost their other two permanent lives. They just needed to live their lives before getting into another war.

While exploring a jungle near a village they had settled into, they found a peculiar set of ruins. It was hidden, very hidden. It was tucked away in a cave behind multiple large jungle trees. They would have missed it if Tommy hadn't thrown a few items away, accidentally dropping his Netherite axe and going to get it back.

They stepped inside were a set of traps and enchantments rested. Enchanted traps that set off the moment Tubbo simply dusted an old looking statue. The ruins shook as if about to collapse, light shining around their feet. Both boys screamed.

"TUBBO!" Tommy hugged his best friend, not wanting to get hurt. Always needing to be the hero.

"TOMMY!" Tubbo hugged back, trying to get them out, but both were unable to move. Always trying to think ahead.

They screamed as they disappeared from the ruins, hugging tightly.

~~~

With a groan, Tommy sat up, holding his throbbing head as he tried to remember what happened. He looked around, noticing he was alone.

"Tubbo? TUBBO!" He cried before looking up when he heard a groan. He was in a dark oak forest and Tubbo was laying on top of one of the giant mushrooms, "Oh thank god... TUBBO!"

The brunette rubbed his eyes, groaning as he woke up. He looked around and screamed when he fell out. Tommy caught him, the brunette thanking him. They sat down, making sure they had all their things.

"So, we didn't die, that's good." Tubbo sighed in relief, checking his communicator, which looked like a watch. However, it simply glitched out before acting like it died, "What the fuck? Come on, are you serious?!"

"Dammit, what's going on? What're we going to do?" Tommy groaned.

"No idea." Tubbo rubbed his back, "We need to to figure out where we are, how we got here, and then a way to get back. We're lucky we have all our stuff and enderchests."

"Alright, where should we go?"

They ended up picking a random direction, going through the dark oak forest and eventually found a village after a few miles. It was peaceful as they walked, the sun setting slowly. They were confused, seeing as they didn't recognize anything, they must be incredibly far from the SMP Lands. By sundown, they had found a small village. Thankfully, they had an inn, allowing the two to walk in and ask for a room.

"Fifty silver?" Tommy repeated the price, confused. 

"Aye, fifty silver. If you don't want no meals, it down to thirty." The woman stated firmly, crossing her arms.

What happened to emeralds? "Oi, no need to get stern, lady! It's just- ug, nevermind. Tubbo?" He looked at his best friend.

Tubbo was just as confused, taking out a few golden nuggets, "We don't have silver coins, but we have some golden nuggets! How much?" He place ten on the table. Thank god they went to the Nether before the whole ruins accident.

The lady widened her eyes, taking the nuggets and examining them, as if she has never seen them. She looked at the boys, the nuggets, then them, "Lads, stay as long as you want!" She went from a mean, stern old lady to the sweetest elderly woman both had met, "My apologies, kind sirs! I didn't thing I'd be in service to ya magic fold! Please, I'll get ya to y'er rooms! Unfortunately, we only got one left, but it got two beds! C'mon, follow me, boys!" She chirped.

Both boys were confused, but not complaining.

"Uh, thank you!" Tubbo laughed, a bit awkwardly. 

Once in their room, the door shut, Tommy looked at Tubbo, "What. The. Fuck was that?"

"I have no idea."

~~~

It took some time, but the managed to figure out they had somehow gone to a completely different world. They went to a smith to hopefully get their communicators fixed so they could get the coordinates of where they were and to retrace their steps. Unfortunately, the smith didn't even know these communicators existed. Everyone should have one, you get one that you would never loose, even if you died, once you're able to red or write! But no one in the village had one.

They did find people using magic crystals that lit up as they send voice messages or wrote in the skies. They found people using magic powers that humans, and most hybrids, did not have. Magic was more abundant and more important in this world, using coins as currency but still found coal and jewels valuable.

Lastly, the usual inventory and crafting system did not exist, neither do respawns. It was a one or done deal, as resurrections were seen as dark or black magic bu most people. It was a weird thought to think these people lived on one life constantly. Tubbo and Tommy were used to it, but they had two lives previously. It was weird. Weird to craft and have it take more than a few minutes, weird to enchant without an enchantment table.

Weird, but amazingly terrifying.

Crafting a pickaxe was near-instantaneous to Tubbo and Tommy, granted they had to take a few minutes and make sure the pickaxe was crafted well and had good durability but in this world it took from days to maybe weeks to craft a good pickaxe or sword.

Crafting tables? Pssh, what was that? They crafted with their hands. What was inventory? They had magical bags that carried more than they should with them. Everything that was normal to Tubbo and Tommy wasn't exactly normal to the others in that world.

"Tommy..." Tubbo asks one night, the both of them huddled together on the same bed in the room they were still renting for the moment. "What... what do we do now? We're... How do we get back home?" He asks quietly, clutching his best friend who gripped him back just as tightly.

Tommy bit his lip, rubbing the brunette's back, "I... I don't know... I'm sure there's a way back, though! There has to be! We just haven'y found it! Think of this as a vacation! A vacation where we could learn the magic from this world! Imagine, me breathing for or controlling water or spitting acid from my mouth!"

"Or flying! Flying without tridents!" Tubbo nodded, "Yeah! Okay, we could still have fun! Let's try to learn everything from this world!"

The two continued to babble until they fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Almost a month and a half later, Tommy had a fateful encounter and he didn't even know it. To be honest, it wasn't that big of a deal until a months later. Back then, he thought he was just rescuing someone from a bandit ambush. Yeah, because that was the thing.

He was simply walking through a spruce forest, wanting to collect some materials seeing as the blonde and brunette were packing up from where they were staying. Tommy was simply collecting some berries when he heard a commotion.

"-rounded! Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide! You're dead, kid!" 

Tommy blinked at the gruff and obviously threatening tone. He snuck towards the source carefully. When he realized it was actually below him, he noticed he was on a cliff. He peered down and saw four people surrounding one man on his own. An incredibly injured man. The man was bleeding, a large cut across his cheek. He limped back until his back hit a tree, an arrow stuck in his shoulder, bright green eyes glaring at the group. There was a stray sword and bag behind the group, but the blonde still stood his ground.

Tommy slowly took out his Netherite axe, a splash potion in his hand.

"Ready to die, kid?" The leader ask, Tommy practically hearing the smirk on his face.

"Are you?" Tommy asked, throwing the potion down at the group. 

The bandits screamed and Tommy jumped down. He stood in front of the injured man, his axe shining brightly as he glared, "Better back off now. One more step and I promise, that sword won't be the only thing on the ground." Tommy said cheekily, a shit-eating grin on his face.

~~~

Today had been the worst day of his life. He's had bad days before, everyone does. But today? This was the worst, the world was out to get him more than usual. First, his hunt gets claimed by another bounty hunter. Second, he gets betrayed by the information dealer he'd been working with (Sapnap warned him, but all he saw was dollar signs), so now he was being hunted down by other bounty hunters who wanted his bounty. That surprised him. Next, his sword decided to crack and break and now his arm was dislocated, an arrow in his shoulder, his face sliced, and cornered, back against a tree.

Yeah, his worst day took the cake.

"Finally, the Great Bounty Hunter Dream! Surrounded! Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide! You're dead, kid!" The leader exclaimed, smirking.

They all looked extremely smug and, although Dream kept his ground, he was looking for which way to go to run and possibly get a new sword. Even if it was a stone one, at least then he could kill them. Oh wait! He had an extra sword! It was just in is spatial bag!

Behind the bounty hunters hunting him.

"Are you ready to die?" The leader smirked.

Dream glared, about to say something when a new voice came, "Are you?"

A potion broke at the bounty hunters feet, all screaming in pain. A young man with golden-yellow hair, sharp sky blue eyes, landed in front of Dream. He had a shit-eating grin on his face as he said cheekily, "Better back off now. One more step and I promise, that sword won't be the only thing on the ground."

Dream widened his eyes, not at the young man himself, at his weapon. He had a glowing enchanted axe that shone with metallic sheen. Netherite! How does this kid have a Netherite, enchanted Netherite axe?! Dream thought.

"Who the fuck are you, get-" The leader stopped, noticing the glow of the young man's axe, "...Hah! Some flimsy enchantment? You honestly think it's going to do anything to us?"

"Why don't you test it out?" Tommy held it up, "It took a long fucking time to make this thing! It'd be nice to get some fresh blood on it!"

Dream had to admit, he liked this guy. Wait, did he say he made this axe? Yeah, okay, this was going to be his new best friend. He wanted- needed an axe like that! Not to mention blonde hair and blue eyes? This guy was very pretty-

okay, the bloodloss was getting to him.

He fell to the floor, watching the sluggish movements of the bounty hunters trying to grab him. The young man side steps and swung the axe downwards, cutting his arm right off. A beautiful scream echoed through the forest, the man laughing.

"Wooo! I told you the sword wouldn't be the only thing on the floor!" The blood covered his shirt and a bit on his face and (of course) on his axe as the leader fell, bleeding from his stump, "You honestly thought I was bluffing?! You're even stupider than you look! Run or die, bitches! Run. Or. DIE!"

Dream was in love, this had to be love! ...Or the bloodloss was getting to him.

Terrified, the other three hunters grabbed their screaming leader and left as quickly as they could.

The man grabbed Dream's stuff and ran to him, placing it beside him, "H-Hey, you alright?!" The axe was gone, but the blood wasn't. Damn, this savior must be magical, the axe just disappeared, "J-Jeeze, they got you good, huh? Here, I'll help, just, uh-"

"A-Arm..." He choked out, holding his shoulder.

"Right, arrow. And it's dislocated. Uh, okay, I'm just gonna-" 

Dream screamed as his savior popped it back into place, "FUCK! Sssssfuuuuck!" His savior than pulled out the arrow, "SHIT! Sh-shit, shit, shit... Th-Thanks, fuck..."

"Yeah, now, your wounds are bad-"

"P-Poison..." Dream pointed to the arrow wound.

"Don't worry! Here, bite this!" The man took out an apple.

Wait, no, that's a golden apple.

Dream looked at him, confused. Gold. His teeth. Who would win? How could he bite a golden apple? His savior is strong, but stupid.

"Just do it, trust me!" The young man insisted, smiling.

Okay, Dream could not say no to that smile. He opened his mouth, taking a bite. His teeth never hit metal and it was the tastiest thing he's ever had. Dream couldn't help but take it and eat it all as fast as he could, down to it's core.

"You really needed that!" His savior smiled.

"Wait, I'm-" Dream touched his cheek, his shoulder, "I-I feel so much better, better than before! Wait, that apple! Did it heal me?! Completely?!"

The man smiles, "Mhmm! Handy thing, huh? It doesn't last forever. It's only a few seconds of regen-healing and absorption for two minutes! Let's you tank a heavy hit or two! You'll still get hurt, just not die as much as you could."

This. Is. Insane. How has he never heard of these before?! Did this handsome (he needed to stop) young man invent them?!

"Why did you help me?" Dream asked, looking up into those sky blue eyes as his savior stood.

No recognition in his eyes, not that he could blame him. His actual face isn't very well known to those who don't really know him. He almost kind of wants that recognition though, he wants this man to know him, to remember him.

"You were hurt and needed some help." The other smiled confidently, "Be careful, okay? Oh, here!" He fumbled in his bag before handing him those special golden apples, "In case those guys come back! Oh, and this!" 

Dream took the sword and gasped at the diamond sword, "W-Wait, hold on!"

"I'm sorry, I gotta go! Be careful, okay? Bye!" The boy quickly ran off.

"Wait, wait, hold on!" Dream called, but it was too late. He sighed, grabbed his back and threw it over his shoulder. He put the apples in the back and strapped the diamond sword to his back before it hit him.

"...I DIDN'T EVEN GET HIS NAME! GOD DAMMIT!" Dream clutched his head with a groan. 

He sighed, took out a spare mask, his other one broken and long forgotten. He tied the ribbon, the mask in its proper place Once it covered his face, he began walking to his destination once more. 

"One day, I'll find you pretty boy. I'll return the kindness you've shown me." Dream promised to himself, a grin growing on his face, "That's a promise."

And he keeps his promises.

He'll find him and he was going to show him his thanks.

~~~

"Tommy why did you give a stranger some gapples?!" Tubbo yelled.

"He was hurt Tubbo!" Tommy retorted, "His sword was broken and some bandits were trying to kill him! What was I going to do let him die?!"

"No I understand that but why the fuck did you tell him about the gapples and give him more?!"

"Just in case those shits come back for him! I'm not gonna be there to protect him, he has to fight his own fights! Besides, I gave him a sword, he should be fine."

Tubbo sighed, "I hope so... So you really cut off his arm like butter?"

"YEAH TUBBO IT WAS FUCKING SICK, GROSS AND SICK BUT VERY AWESOME!" Tommy yelled, sparkles in his eyes, "Our enchanted Netherite shit is very much overpowered here!"

"Let's- let's keep that at a down low Toms, don't want people attacking us constantly for our shit. Again." Tubbo chuckled at his best friend's antics.

"Right, right. Anyway, let's go to the next town?"

"Yeah! Hey, I hear there's a festival being held in like, the capital. Wanna head there when it starts in like a month or two?"

"Sure! It sounds fun! Wait, which capital again?"

"The Antarctic Empire's capital uh, Glay S'ierre."

"Oh cool! Yeah let's go to their festival!"

"Sweet!"

Chapter Text

The world Tubbo and Tommy were in was amazing. Amazingly terrifying and confusing, but amazing nonetheless. It was packed full of things they have never seen before, such as magic crystals. They could be used for sending messages, used to put things in a second inventory, hell, they could use magic! However, unlike other people, they had to use XP to use magic. It was most likely due to the fact they weren't from this world. They figured out different levels of magic means different amount of XP. For example, setting a fire like a flint and steel or simply create a few bubbles, half a level. Breathing fire or water, three levels. It all depended on what you wanted.

The mobs in this world were somewhat the same. They still had zombies, skeletons, spiders, and those were common. There were also creepers, but apparently they were uncommon and thank god for that. Their explosions packed a lot more, well, explosive power. However, there were different types now depending on where they were! Hell, there were blue creepers that lived in the water, white creepers in snowy places, etc. Endermen were still rare and still strong, but that was nothing new. Oh, and the Nether was still literal Hell they could go to!

However, it was very different to the Nether they were used to. They were used to a large landscape with a few Bastions, a few Nether Fortresses, a few blue or red biomes, but now there were cities Piglins had built in the Nether. Cities similar to those in the Overworld, all out of Nether Bricks, blackstone, crimson logs, warped logs, basically all blocks in the Nether.

However, there were also mob hybrids, a lot more than in their world. Hell, they only knew Techno (who just looked like a Piglin but could do whatever a human could do), Fundy (who just looked like a fox but could do everything a human could do), and Bad (a demon). Everyone else was a human. Well, Schlatt was a hybrid, but he was dead now, so he didn't count. Despite there being a lot more mob hybrids, they were more discriminated against unlike in their world. While in the Overworld they were discriminated against, the Nether accepted them into the cities and towns they had made.

When Tubbo and Tommy asked for obsidian to make a Nether Portal, well, it was apparently not well known? It was more of a secret, something really difficult and only magicians who specified in opening portals could do so. They had to write specific runes on the Obsidian and the portals had to be made bigger than the 4x5 blocks they were used to. Tubbo was able to figure out how to make the portal, but once they got into a Nether Fortress, they were asked for identification.

Which- how?

Apparently, they were illegal immigrants that had the ability to create Nether Portals. The first time they walked in, they apologized and left because, well, they didn't need to get into a fight with a bunch of Piglins. They made a promise to be careful and not get caught again.

So, while exploring, having fun, learning, and experimenting, they had to stay out of trouble. Which was extremely hard to do for Tommy, but (Tubbo had to admit) they were doing a pretty good job. However, there were times when they got into fights with bandits, ruffians, mobs, Piglin Guardsman who asked for their ID and Tommy decided to get snarky with-

"GET BACK HERE YOU DAMNED IMMIGRANTS!" The large group of Piglins ran after the two, both boys screaming as they ran down the Netherbrick Bridge.

"TOMMY, THIS IS YOUR FAULT!!!" Tubbo screamed.

"SHUT UP AND RUN!!!" Tommy yelled back.

Both skidded to a stop when there was a fork in the road- er, bridge. They turned left, seeing another group of guards, then to the right. They were surrounded, all the guards holding golden swords, axes, bows, or crossbows. The boys back up into the railing, hands up in a surrender motion.

"In the name of the King of Flames, you are under arrest for illegal immigration to the Nether and the Capital of Fire!" The commander declared, "Place your weapons on the grounds, kneel down, and hands behind your back!"

"Well shit." Tommy kneeled down, hands going behind his back, reaching into his back pocket for a certain potion, "We know when not to fight."

"But running is quite fun!" Tubbo giggled as the blonde slammed the potion at their feet. 

Tommy jumped off with a "WOHOO!" Tubbo stood on the rail and gave a playful bow as the Piglins stared in shock.

"Farewell and have a good night~!" Tubbo fell backwards. 

He plummeted into the boiling liquid, but he couldn't feel it. It felt just like water, which made it so fun to swim up in. He resurfaced and drank another fire resistance potion, just to be safe. He looked up at all the shocked expressions of the Piglins, smiling and waving.

Tubbo took out a Ender Pearl, throwing it into the direction he and Tommy came from, knowing he would meet the blonde there. The pearl landed in the lava, so he had to resurface once more for air. He continued to swim, only resurfacing when he needed air. He managed to get to the shore where the portal led to, not wanting to get out just yet, but needing to as he didn't want to burn to death. He walked out, stretching his arms over his head, shaking the lava out of his hair like it was water. Tubbo felt eyes on him, turning back at the fortress. 

He continued getting the lava out of his hair and off his clothes, the liquid landing on the Netherrack with a sizzle, his blue eyes meeting crimson red eyes of a pink haired man, standing on a bridge he wasn't familiar with. They must've just made it, seeing as the Nether Folk loved to add to their cities. The man was in utter shock, staring at Tubbo as the boy continued to dry himself off.

Tubbo tilted his head, staring at the man. The man was handsome, he had to admit. He looked like a human, only he just had pointed pig ears. If it weren't for those, Tubbo would have thought the pretty man was completely human.

Pretty Man blinked and smiled softly.

Tubbo giggled, waving, his head still tilted.

He got a hesitant wave in response, smiling more. Tubbo flushed at the man, he was very pretty! Especially with a smile like that? God, he was beautiful, especially with that scar over his right eye!

Suddenly remembering Tommy, Tubbo stood up straight. He looked behind him, then back at Pretty Man, who was confused. He gave an apologetic smile, bowing before running off to find his friend. What a shame, Tubbo would have loved to talk to him! But, unfortunately, Tubbo had to leave. Maybe next time, if they ever met again.

~~~

"Uncle Techco, what're you looking at?"

Red eyes turned to meet a single brown eye, seeing as the other was covered by his brown bangs. He chuckled, kneeling down to move his beloved godson's hair out of his eyes. The boy huffed, leaning over the railing to see if he could see what Technoblade found.

"Ah, ah." Techno warned, picking up the twelve year old, "We don't need you falling off, little prince."

"I'm not little!"

"You're little to me!" He teased, "We don't need you falling off the bridge and dying. That would be bad."

Terrible. Although Techno loved fighting in wars, loved the bloodshed from the battles, there was no way in hell he was going to let Wilbur, Philza's son, his best friend who is practically his brother's son, die under his watch. He wouldn't let Wilbur die in general.

"But I wanna see what you were staring at! You waved and smiled at something!" Wilbur whined, puffing out his cheeks.

Techno placed the boy down on the floor, holding his hand, "I just... well, I saw something that peaked my interest, little prince. They're gone now, so you wouldn't see him anyways."

The two continued walking on the bridge in their casual disguise wear. After all, they didn't need to be recognized as the Bloody General escorting the Crown Prince of the Antarctic Empire. It's why Technoblade didn't have his usual mask and Wilbur had big, bulky glasses over his face, obscuring it. Techno hummed, thinking back to the interesting dark haired human that emerged from the lava like some kind of mob. It didn't hurt him whatsoever, he brushed the lava from his hair like it was nothing but thick liquid and smiled at him so brightly it almost felt like he was looking at the sun.

The boy was definitely human, he was sure. He knows what hybrids looked like, and very few were immune to lava like himself. Especially Nether lava. Magma Hybrids, Ghast Hybrids, even Blaze Hybrids took a bit of damage against lava. The human had no tell of being a Nether Variant, let alone a mob hybrid in general. Yet, the human so easily swam through the boiling liquid like it was nothing. Even if it was only temporary, that was very impressive.

"Aw man!" Wilbur huffed, "I want to meet anyone who can make you smile!"

Techno chuckled, ruffling his hair, "Sorry Wilbur, but he's gone now. We might see him again! However, I think that's enough exploring for now. Let's get back to your dad, I'm pretty sure he wants us back now. I believe his meeting should be finish and Eret and Schlatt's lessons should be over!"

At the mentions of the two princes, Wilbur beamed and began "dragging" him back home. Of course, a twelve year old dragging Technoblade, the Bloody General, was impossible. But who was Techno to stop Wilbur's excitement? Beside, it was adorable. It gave him time to think of the brunette man emerging from the lava, Techno unable to think of anything else even as they met up with Philza.

Such an interesting young man.

~~~

Tommy and Tubbo agreed to not visit the Nether, or at least the Capital of Flare anytime soon. They laughed, talking about it the whole time as they slowly made it closer to the Antarctic Empire for the festival.

"Four months, now." Tubbo hummed as they walked to the inn, "Been in this world for four-"

"Niki?!" Tommy yelled before covering his mouth.

The blonde woman finished tying her hair and faced them, "Yes? May I help you?"

"A-Ah, sorry, you just- you looked really similar to a friend of ours!" Tommy said.

"Oh, it's alright!" She smiled sweetly, just like their Niki did, "Do you need a room or pastries or bread or something?"

Tubbo looked and noticed the inn wasn't just an inn, it was a bakery. He smiled at her, ignoring their homesickness and both ordered some of her sweets as well as a room. They stayed in the inn for a week, longer than they intended because, well, they just wanted to be friends with this Niki as well. She was just as sweet and kind and as pleasant to talk to as in their world.

With reluctance, they went to the next town, a bit homesick once more.

"...Will we ever get home...?" Tommy wondered.

"There has to be someway." Tubbo reassured, "Come on, when did you become the worrywart? I thought that was my job! Trying to steal it?!"

Tommy playfully pushed him, "Shut up!"

"Hey, look at this!"

Tommy tilted his head as Tubbo gave him a piece of paper with a bounty on it. A sketch of the man's "face" and his clothes were on it, the name Dream sprawled under the sketch.

Tommy rolled his eyes and snorted, "Of course Dream would be a bounty hunter criminal guy! Dude was always shady! Still has that mask to!" He whispered to Tubbo, who chuckled but nodded in agreement.

He folded the paper and into his pocket it went. He didn't need the money, neither did Tubbo. They were rich from the golden nuggets and ingots they got from mining. Tommy was a bit upset, to be honest. He always wondered what Dream looked like behind the mask, in their world too. He never removed it, he's heard George and Sapnap joke about how he even slept with it.

They set off towards the Antarctic Empire's capital, Glay S'ierre, hoping to arrive just in time for the week long festival that the empire would host, welcoming visitors from every nation, every race, having tons of different food, games, etc. They were both definitely excited to experience such an extravagant event. A magical festival in another world. They were going to have fun.

Lots of fun!

Chapter Text

The festival starts with a bang. There were bright lights, loud musics, fanfare everywhere, crowded as hell, but the two loved it. It was magical. And when Tubbo saw a certain plushy, he was bouncing up and down on his heels.

"Tommy, Tommy, look, look, LOOOOOK!" Tubbo squealed, "They have bee themed plushies!!!"

He went to run but Tommy pulled him back. They were holding hands, just so they weren't separated in the crowd. They had been taking turns dragging each other around, but they had to be careful of the very big crowd. It seemed this festival held in Glay S'ierre was a hit, because they were sure everyone in the world was here.

"Tommy, please!" Tubbo whined, "I have to have it!"

"Alright, fine. It is your turn, after all!" Tommy teased.

Tubbo squealed in delight, dragging them to the man selling the plushies. He bought two, one for himself and one for Tommy. Tubbo named them BeeInnit and Tubee, holding BeeInnit with such happiness, he was practically glowing. Tommy rolled his eyes playfully, putting Tubee in his inventory, separating to explore on their own. They were a bit hesitant, but they had communicators, so if something really bad happened, they could just contact one another or head to the inn. Or both.

Tubbo, happy as can be, entertained himself with small games, buying himself and Tommy random little things, buying sweets. In fact, he was biting and chewy into a cinnamon roll when someone whispered behind him.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes."

Tubbo swallowed and turned, cheeks and lips dusted with frosting and a few crumbs from muffins and the honey flavored cookies he had ate. His blue eyes met red ones, his face flushing and quickly wiping his cheeks as the familiar pretty pink haired stranger eyed him with amusement and interest. The man stood up and revealed he was tall, taller than Tubbo (which wasn't anything hard to achieve, to be honest).

Tubbo hugged BeeInnit to his chest, chuckling as he placed his cinnamon roll in its small pastry bag, "Ah, hello Pretty Man from the Nether!"

Pretty Man snorted at the exclamation, "Hello Lava Immigrant from the Nether." He deadpanned, smirking down at him.

"H-Hey! You make it sound like we purposely were causing problems! We forgot our IDs and we didn't have them at the time! But now we do!" Tubbo huffed, glaring. Granted, they had to pay someone to forge the papers, but it was worth it, "I'd show it, but you don't look like a guard! Not to mention, how do I know you're from the Nether, just cause you were in there?"

Pretty Man simply smiled, clearly amused, "Fair enough, I am no guard, so I won't ask you for ID. However, I do wish to ask about your little trick."

"Trick?"

"Swimming through lava, Nether lava no less."

Tubbo smiled innocently, "I have no idea what you mean!" He replied sweetly, turning to walk into the crowd. Pretty Man followed him quite easily, though, "You're rather persistent, huh?"

He continued trying to get lost in the crowd, but Pretty Man followed him the whole time. After an hour of wandering around, not being able to do anything fun and running out of snacks, he ended up in a random stray alley. He had no idea where he was, where he had gone, or how to go back.

"Shit, where am I?" Tubbo looked around.

"You're in the slums." Pretty Man, who was still behind him, chimed in, "You've been wandering for an hour and someone got here. Pretty impressive, actually."

The brunette face the man, scowling, "Yeah, well, you've been following me all day-"

"An hour, at most."

"Can't you just leave me alone?" He crossed his arms over his chest, now annoyed. So what if Pretty Man was, well, pretty! He's making him miss the festival and not get any sweets and small trinkets for himself and Tommy!

Before Pretty Man could answer, a group of people came into the alley, surrounding them.

"A-A'right..." One, frankly filthy looking man, sneered at them as he held up a sword, hiccuping and slurring his words, "H-Hand *hic* over all y'er v-valuables and no *hic* no one gets hurt!"

He aimed the sword at Tubbo, along with the five other men, who all had flimsy armor and pathetic weapons.

Tubbo sighed, putting BeeInnit in his inventory, "Are you sure you want to do this? Cause you're gonna end up regretting it, old man."

Because violent drunks are such great listeners, they began moving. 

~~~

When Techno encountered the strange lava man during his stroll, he thought it was a one time thing.

Phil had given him the day off, saying it would be a good way to relax before he would have to participate in the tournament in a day or so. After all, one day of relaxing and freedom was a nice day, was it not? Wilbur wanted to come, but he had been a cheeky brat and playing one too many pranks that made Phil say no to going to the start festival. Too bad, but he should have known better. Phil was a very doting father, but when it came to discipline, he wasn't going to shy away from reminding Wilbur of his place. Wilbur was not going to be spoiled, that's for sure.

Anyway, back to now.

Techno had seen him from afar, all on his own, enjoying himself with a bee plushie to his chest and a bag of sweets he happily stuffed into his face. Now, Technoblade had two options. One, leave the young man alone to enjoy the festival on his own or, two, go up to the interesting man who has been on his mind for the last few days and interact with him.

...Okay, so he only had one option.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes."

The other paused and turned, his cheeks and lips dusted with frosting and few crumbs from other sweets he had previously eaten. It was adorable, reminded him of how Wilbur did the same thing when he stuffed his face with sweets. However, this was a grown man, Wilbur was a child. This man was cuter than Wilbur, somehow. That should be impossible, illegal. The man's face flushed once he realized who he was, wiping his cheeks, Techno just staring with amusement and interest, smiling as the man hugged his bee closer after finishing wiping his face.

Lava Bee Man chuckled as he placed his cinnamon roll in its small pastry bag, "Ah, hello Pretty Man from the Nether!"

Techno snorted at the exclamation, "Hello Lava Immigrant from the Nether." He deadpanned, smirking down at him.

That seemed to make him upset as, soon after, he was following him through the crowd. Lava Bee tried to get away, but he stayed close, not wanting to loose him once more. They eventually got to the slums in a random alleyway, where they ended up getting surrounded by six drunk bastards.

"A-A'right..." One, frankly filthy looking man, sneered at them as he held up a sword, hiccuping and slurring his words, "H-Hand *hic* over all y'er v-valuables and no *hic* no one gets hurt!"

He aimed the sword at his Lava Bee, along with the five other men, who all had flimsy armor and pathetic weapons. Techno wanted to slam them into the ground, but he came to the festival to have fun and to not kill anyone.

Lava Bee sighed, his bee disappearing (where it went Techno had no idea), "Are you sure you want to do this? Cause you're gonna end up regretting it, old man."

Because violent drunks listened so well, they moved forward. Techno easily dealt with the three men who attacked him. He sipped between two men and tripped the third one. He threw the two into a nearby wall, ignoring the cracks from the wall and their bones before slamming his foot into the third man, who screamed in pain. The concrete cracks, the hybrid digging his heel into his back.

Okay, maybe he was too rough.

"FUCKING STAY STILL!" 

Techno turned and was amazed at his Lava Bee's movements. The brunette dodged all three easily, almost like he was dancing. He grabbed one of their arms, breaking it in half and dropping him. The man with the sword tried to cut his head off, but Lava Bee threw him to the ground as he kicked the third man in the ribs, breaking them.

Quick, precise, strong.

His Lava Bee dropped the man he was holding, all of the men groaning in pain. The brunette sighed, kneeling down and taking out some potions.

"What are you doing?" Techno asked.

"Healing him." The brunette replied.

"But why?" He questioned. His Lava Bee was a brewer, clearly, but why waste a potion on some men like this? "They attacked you."

"They were drunk." He argued, helping the passed out man drink the potion, "Besides, I can't just leave them like this!"

All of them were passed out and his Lava Bee was so considerate, making sure they were all healed and safe. Well, as safe as you could be when drunk and passed out.

"You didn't have to do this." Techno said, "Killing them would have been easier."

"In front of you?" Lava Bee raised an eyebrow at him.

Techno stepped forward, leaning over him, "I wouldn't tell."

"Sure you wouldn't~!" Lava Bee teased and rolled his eyes. He playfully played with the ribbon tied in a bow around his collar. The brunette stared at him with innocent blue eyes and Techno just wanted to scoop him up and carry him away, "Now, Pretty Man, you're very handsome and can kick some ass. I'm very impressed, but I don't exactly like being followed and getting me into this mess in the first place~! It was nice seeing you again, though, so I guess I can forgive you!"

Techno leaned down, their noses brushing, "Well, thank you for your forgiveness-"

"Now it's time to part ways!"

Before Techno could question what he meant, Lava Bee stepped back and downed a light blue, almost clear, looking potion, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"Goodbye Mr. Pretty Man! May we never meet again!" Lava Bee's voice echoed in the alley way, and his Lava Bee was officially gone.

Well, the first day of the festival ended up being very interesting in the end.

Lava Bee was a brewer who could make or had access to potions that could make one swim in lava, invisible, and his healing potions were top notch! Not to mention he was an experienced fighter! Even if his Lava Bee didn't want to meet again, Techno would make sure they did. There was no way in Hell he was just going to let the other go when he was just so interesting.

Chapter Text

Dream has never been fond of festivals, most likely because he didn't let himself enjoy the festivals. Besides, he was a bounty hunter. He didn't have time to play games that were rigged or eat sugary treats that made you gain at least a pound after eating two treats, he needed to get his money and not just spend it on random shit.

He was currently patrolling the streets and getting familiar with the surroundings, thinking and looking for possible escape routes that he and Sapnap (another bounty hunter who was on a hunt as well) could use if things go south. The information they got from their dealer said boths their targets were going to be in Glay S'ierre for the Antarctic's Red Festival. So, because Sapnap was one of two his best friends, they decided to team up. It was nice, seeing as they rarely got to do hunts together.

Not to mention, Dream had his mask off. He only trusted his closest friends with his face, meaning only Sapnap, George, and Bad were the only ones who know. However, the latter two were laying low, especially George. His bounty had just went up, so he needed to just relax.

Dream walked around the town square, humming and looking around, sitting on a nearby bench as he messed with the little metal in his ear. It looked just like a piercing, but it was actually a secret communication device, connected to his transparent crystal necklace.

"Found my target's residence, no sign of him though." Sapnap's voice whispered in his ear, "I'll go find yours, how's the stroll?"

Dream covered his crystal, putting the necklace to his mouth as he whispered, "Going fine, plenty of space to work with. If anything happens, I've found plenty of possible escape routes. We taking them out together or separately? My deadline's this week."

"Ha, loser! Mine's next week! I think I'll just enjoy the festive~!"

Dream snorted, "And get something for George?"

"Yeeeeeeeeep~!"

"Alright, I'll continue walking. Maybe I'll fine something for George while I do." Dream mused as he stood up, stretching slightly, fully intending to continue his walk when he heard someone swear loudly. 

"Son of a fuck!! No! My ice cream!" It sounded kind of familiar, it sounded like-

Dream looked over to the source, freezing when he saw him. Him being the guy who gave him golden apples and a diamond sword and saved him 'months ago! He still had the sword, of course, just hidden in his spatial bag. It was the best weapon he has ever gotten, has ever had. He prefers axes, but he wasn't going to complain when it was a diamond fucking sword.

And the man, he's right there! A few steps away, scowling at the ground where his ice cream had fallen, as if the ground was at fault. 

The younger blonde looked up and was about to order another one, but Dream grabbed his sword, "I'll buy another."

"JESUS CHRIST!" The boy yelled, facing him as Dream laughed, "Don't just sneak up and- wait a second..." The boy blinked, his blue eyes scanning Dream.

God, how Dream wanted to just say who he was.

Suddenly, he gasped and smiled brightly, "Oh, you're the guy I saved! How's the diamond sword treating you? And the golden apples?"

"They're amazing, thank you for them!" Dream smiled brightly, "It's great to see you and finally repay you for saving my life! I've been trying to find you, seeing as I never did properly thank you for everything."

"Yeah, well, sorry bout that! It was sorta my fault! My friend and I had to pack up our campsite and we just had to leave quickly." He smiled awkwardly, "Well, it's great to see you again!"

Dream smiled, "You as well. I, uh, never got your name."

"Oh, name's Tommy, Tommy Innit! You?" Tommy held out his hand.

Dream took his hand before he hesitated for two reasons. One, Tommy's hand was so firm and he could feel the callouses in his hands, these same hands who swung that amazingly enchanted netherite axe. Two, he couldn't say his real name, even if the boy was his savior. He looked around.

"I'm-" His eyes landed on a colorful vase, "C-Clay! Clay Vayase!" That's such a stupid name...

"'Vayase?' What, your family's got business in pottery and decided to name you Clay to stick with the family legacy?" He joked, thankfully not suspecting the name to be fake. 

"Mm, no, but even if that was the case I pretty much disappointed them by not doing that." Dream joked back, sharing a grin with Tommy who was trying and failing not to snicker. A laughing and smiling Tommy was definitely better than the wariness and cautious Tommy from before. "So, about that ice cream."

Tommy smiled brightly, squeezing his hand lightly to pull him to the ice cream stand, "Thanks so much! Let's go!"

Dream chuckled, buying Tommy the same ice cream (with a few extra scoops) the boy had gotten and bought himself some ice cream before they began walking and talking.

"You all alone? Dream asked.

The younger man shook his head, "No, not really. Right now I'm alone, with you but I came here with my best friend. We separated to enjoy ourselves in the festival, he's probably around here somewhere." He glanced around briefly before going back to his ice cream. Dream hummed, must be the same friend Tommy mentioned earlier on. He wondered on how close they were.

"Thanks again for the ice cream Clay." Tommy told him with a bright thankful grin after they both finished their ice creams, "It was nice officially meeting you an-"

Oh no, oh hell no. No way was he going to let this opportunity just leave him. Dream had the chance to talk to Tommy about anything, the sword, the apples, what his favorite color was, what his hobbies were, was he single-

Okay, last three maybe not, but still!

"It's no problem," Dream interrupted him, stopping Tommy from leaving by briefly grabbing his shoulder. "Like I said, it's my thanks for saving me back then. I'm still very grateful to you though, let me accompany you and pay for a few things, it's the least that I can do. I still haven't repaid you for the apples and my sword." He pointed out, watching Tommy's face frown which didn't seem to suit him. 

"You don't have to Clay, I just wanted to help you." Tommy replied, gasping when Dream leaned closer to him, smiling softly.

"And I want to repay that kindness. I insist," Dream told him quietly, smiling more when Tommy's face turned a lovely shade of pink, "Please Tommy, let me treat my hero."

They were close together with Dream leaning in like this.

Tommy grabbed Dream's shoulders and pushed him away at arm's length, eyes elsewhere and face flustered, "Alright alright! I-I'll let you pay for a few things-" He said reluctantly and Dream chalked it up as his victory.

"Great!" Dream exclaimed, holding Tommy's hand tightly and smiling brightly as he began dragging the younger blonde with him, "Let's go then!"

"Wh- Clay!"

~~~

Alright, so Tommy didn't expect to be treated by the handsome guy he saved months ago, but he definitely wasn't complaining!

Clay was buying him anything and everything he had asked for, even if Tommy insisted on buying it himself. However, the older blonde brushed him off, apparently having all the money in the world. Then again, Tommy also had all the money in the world, but Clay really insisted on buying everything and Tommy had to admit, it was kinda embarrassing. He eventually gave up on trying to stop Clay, seeing as the older blonde just smiled that charming smile and his green eyes lit up, just from Tommy saying his name, and his freckles that looked like little gold dust? 

God, he was too handsome for his own good!

"Clay, please, you've already bought me-"

"Ah ah! Don't complain about getting free things hero, just enjoy yourself! It's a festival Tommy! Come on!"

Tommy sighed, but smiled. He, again, wasn't complaining. Free stuff is free stuff, but it was just so much. However, he took Dream's advice, smiling and nodding as they continued walking and talking.

"-nd he goes, 'But I want kissies' and we're just standing there. Staring at him while he's fucking pouting like a child." Clay tells him with a mischievous and entertained grin as Tommy cackled at the story between him and his two other best friends. "He wouldn't stop pouting until we both kissed him." Clay said fondly and Tommy could relate.

"My best friend gets clingy sometimes so I understand your pain man." Tommy snickered, "Between the two of us he is totally the clingy one."

Absolutely, Tubbo was the clingy one not him. Regardless of the fact Tubbo calls him an octopus sometimes from how he kept hugging him in his sleep, using Tubbo as his personal teddy bear when they slept together in the same bed. 

Clay laughed, very much believing him. 

He and Clay wander the streets together, having pleasant talks, jokes and more Clay buying him trinkets and treats, even buying him two magic crystals! The stall that sold them was showing off a yellow crystal that made magical fake bees and instantly he thought that Tubbo would love that, staring at the magical glowing yellow bees that buzzed around happily in the air with a wide eyed grin.

Upon Tommy's fascination, Clay pulled him over and bought the yellow crystal as well as a red one that spawned magical fake raccoons.  

"Clay you've been buying me shit all day! First off thank you so much for the stuff you've bought me. You really didn't, and probably shouldn't have done it." Tommy tells him after he receives both crystals, feeling grateful, excited and exasperated all in one go. They sat down on a bench, the sky changing color as the sun began to set, a fake magical raccoon running in circles in the air around them, he watched it go with a happy look on his face. "You've spent so much money on me! This is one hell of a thanks for some gapples and a sword."

He doesn't see the big deal, not anymore. Maybe when he was younger, but right now he thought Clay was being so very generous and just spending too much money on him. 

Clay shook his head, smiling softly and being his charming himself once more (not fair how hot he is), "You saved my life. You gave me items that continued to save my life plenty of times, and don't worry about money. I have plenty to spare, trust me this hardly even makes a dent with the amount I have."

He reassured him, though Tommy was now a bit curious. His raccoon came back to him, landing on his shoulders before disappearing as the magic wore off, it'd take a bit for Tommy to create the raccoon again.

"Ohh, is Clay here a rich boy?" He asked slyly, "Are the Vayase some type of aristocratic family? Hmmmm~? I'm not from around here so I'm not sure which family is noble and all that nonsense."

Clay chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh no, definitely not. All the money I have is something I worked for. I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth." He replied, laughing. He then winked at the other, "I worked my ass off to get to where I am today."

"Good! Hard work pay off!" Tommy told him with a grin.

The green-eyed man grinned back and nudged him, "I've been buying you things and talking about me a lot, talk about yourself Tommy. I want to get to know my hero." He said, propping his head on his hand which was on his knee. "Where are you today?"

Tommy hummed, "Well, to a physical sense I'm sitting with a man who I saved awesomely like a few months ago but all in all, I'm at a good point of my life today. I also worked my ass off to get where I am and let me tell you Clay, it wasn't easy." He said with an exaggerated sigh that made Clay laugh a bit. "But thankfully, I wasn't alone. Had my best friend with me every step of the way. He's my soulmate! Er, platonic soulmate! Strictly platonic! We've been best friends since we were little! I found him in a box and from there we just took on the world!" 

"Certainly sounds interesting." Clay said, a soft smile on his face.

"Very." Tommy agreed, smiling back. He perked as he thought of something, glancing to the red crystal still in his hand, "Ah, sorry Clay! I need to use the restroom!" He exclaimed, getting to his feet and jogging away. "I'll be right back!" He called back, waving at him before running off with a bright grin on his face, red crystal in hand.

"Thank god, I thought he'd never leave!"

Dream widened his eyes, holding his ear piece as he whispered into his necklace, "Sapnap, what?! Are you watching us?!"

"Southwest, by the fountain! More, m- there! Hiiii~!"

"God dammit, you are so annoying. What do you want?"

"Want to know why you're spending so much on a skinny twink. New sugar baby?" Sapnap snickered.

"That 'skinny twink' has a name. It's Tommy and he's the one who saved me!"

"Oooooooh! Wow, really? He saved you? I mean, looks are deceiving, but DAMN! Never would have guessed! Makes sense why you're spending so much, treating him like you're his sugar daddy!"

"Sapnap, I will kill you."

"Call it like I see it, friend! I'm more here watching you on your date and- shit, he's coming back!"

Dream turned, seeing Tomm stretch his arms as he walked back over.

"Anyways, I'll continue watching, pretend I'm not here!"

"Fuck you, Sapnap."

"Love you too~! Mwah, mwah, mwah!"

~~~

Tommy ran back over, grinning like a madman, "I'm back!" He bounced rather than sat back down on the bench, panting lightly as he caught his breath.

"Welcome ba-" He was interrupted when Tommy grabbed his hands and placed two crystals in them, a green and blue one.

"My thanks to you! For the great time and free stuff!" Tommy beamed, taking out a small pouch, "And these too! I noticed you really liked the sweets from earlier, so boom! Gotcha!

Clay looked a loss for words and Tommy laughed at his face, "Tommy these sweets were made by that stall that was like, way back! Like, at least an hour, back! You'd have to run really, really fast to get there and back and get these crystals."

Tommy shrugged, giving him a smug smile. "I just have a lot of endurance and I'm a fast runner. Ran around a lot as a kid, really gives you the advantage when you grow up and keep with it." 

His friend accepted his gifts, looking touched and extremely happy. "Thanks Tommy." 

Tommy smiled just as brightly, giggling, "You're so welcome Clay! And thank you!"

Both boys just smiled at each other, Sapnap watching from afar with a smirk. Fucking dorks. He thought, rolling his eyes as the two blondes continued to talk.

Chapter Text

Tubbo sighed in relief as he finally arrived at the inn he and Tommy were staying in. The invisibility potion had worn off awhile ago, but he was lucky enough to hide in an alleyway back towards the way he came from, disappear into the crowd, and retrace his steps all the way back to the inn. 

Now that he thought about it, what he dead was pretty dumb. He sighed as he flopped on the bed, groaning into a pillow as he took BeeInnit out from his inventory. Not only did he used a invis-pot on himself, he used a couple of healing potions on some dumb drunks, right in front of someone. And that someone just so happened to be the pretty man from the Nether.

He usually was more careful when it came to using potions, especially in front of people. However, he couldn't help but feel bad about the drunk men who he and Pretty Man beat up. It was an easy fight, too easy and way unfair. Both of them barely lifted a finger and they easily broke their arms and ribs like it was nothing. However, what was also unfair was how pretty Pretty Man was!

His pink hair, his red eyes, the scar on his face, his deep and slightly rough voice. The way he fought, the way he stood up, god dammit, he looked like an model, it's not fair! How can you be that beautiful and be that strong? Pretty Man was perfect and Tubbo hated-loved that.

Tubbo was comfortable with the fact he liked both men and women, no matter what (as long as they were somewhat human, he wasn't going to fall for a sheep). He didn't care for gender, he just liked pretty things, who didn't? He also liked strength, someone who could protect him and keep him safe. If you put someone who was pretty and who was strong in front of Tubbo, he would fall to his knees. 

God dammit, Pretty Man. He was both and Tubbo was having a crisis.

"Hey Tubbo! Welcome back!" Tommy exclaimed cheerfully, walking out of the bathroom, "How was your day? Mine was awesome! Remember the guy I saved a couple of months ago?! I met him and-" Tommy stopped, noticing Tubbo cuddling his bee plushie tightly as he laid on the bed, upset, "...You okay?"

"...Attraction crisis..." Tubbo groaned into the pillows.

"Attraction crisis?!" Tommy hopped to sit beside his best friend, "What's up? Lay it on me, who's the lucky person?!" 

Tubbo groaned and, in seemingly one breath, explained everything that happened when they had to escape the Nether Fortress as well as the day he had today.

Tommy, after catching up with everything said in that one breath, playfully glared, "Hold on, how am I only hearing about this pink haired stud now?! Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

"I never thought I would see him again! But low and behold, I did!" Tubbo complained, hitting Tommy with BeeInnit, "He was being curious, annoying, we got into a fight and he took three guys down like it was nothing, his hair moved and covered his face, and his voice sounded so excited when-"

"Okay, stop. First off, you were fighting drunkards, Tubs. Anyone could take them down in a minute! Of course, because I'm awesome, I could easily take them down in half a minute!"

"Probably!" Tubbo groaned, forgetting about Pretty Man to remember the stupid drunks, "Tommy, the grip was all wrong, the power behind his slashes were inconsistent and his stance- eugh, I don't want to talk about it anymore." He hummed and hugged a pillow, sighing contently, "Also, it was three against one. I bet even if they weren't drunk or were actually better than they were then, Pretty Man would still win." Tubbo smiled, looking at Tommy, "Now, about your day?" 

Tommy brightened and grinned widely, "Okay! So like, remember that guy who you yelled me at for because I gave him gapples? Well I met him again! His name is Clay Vayase and he's fucking hilarious! And also very generous, he bought me a ton of shit as thanks! Look I even got him to buy this like yellow crystal thing that makes fake magic bees for you-"

"Marry him." Tubbo immediately responded, nudging Tommy so they were laying side-by-side, "Also gimme, gimme crystal!" 

Tommy laughed, "Just the crystal? I got some candy too-"

"Toms gimme everything you bought for me and I'll give you everything I bought for you right now."

They looked over the things that they bought for each other, heckling and laughing into the night as they continued discussing their days.

"Awww, you bought him crystals! Two of them!" Tubbo teased, laughing as Tommy rolled his eyes at them, "Well, what were they by the way?" The brunette summoned two fake magical bees, the yellow fake insects flying around them. 

"The green one was a dog and the blue one was a bird, don't know what kind of bird but it looked pretty so I got it. It was just fair I buy him two crystals when he bought me two as well." Tommy replied, looking at the magical red rock in his hand, summoning a red raccoon who simply rested on his lap.

"You gave me one though and he has two." Tubbo playfully clutched his heart, "I will never forget this betrayal!" 

Tommy huffed, "If you want another one then buy it yourself! I'll show you where the stand is tomorrow!"

Tubbo giggled, "Just kidding! Besides, I'm happy with my bees, so I don't need another crystal! Unless there's more bees, I'm good! Oh, tomorrow, I can meet your crush Clay!"

"S-Shut up, he's not my crush! Besides, I don't know. He said he might be busy tomorrow."

"If he bought you all this, he'll make some time for you~!"

"What's that suppose to mean?!"

Tubbo just laughed, Tommy hitting him with a pillow.

~~~

Dream stared up at the ceiling, thinking over his day. He couldn't believe the good luck he's been having lately, unable to stop himself from smiling. 

That was until Sapnap pushed him off his bed.

"Dude, off my bed! If you want to think about your crush on the blonde twink, go to you bed!" Sapnap pushed him more.

Dream got up and went to his bed with a huff, "Not a crush..."

"Oh, my bad. I must've misinterpreted you buying a pretty blonde dude tons of shit, spend hundreds on him during a hunt no less, with you having a crush!"

"Shut up, Sapnap. I was trying to thank him-"

Sapnap interrupted, rolling his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, for the diamond sword and magic gold apples! I know, you've only told me a thousand times!" He then smirked, looking at the blonde, "Question though. 'Clay Vayase?' What the hell is that? Did you look at a clay pot and think 'yep, that's good?'"

Dream was silent.

"NO WAY, YOU DID!" Sapnap burst into a fit of laughter, dodging Dream's knife he sent his way, "Dream, I'm not one for giving good names, but even I could think of a better name!"

Dream threw another knife, Sapnap again dodging, "Shut up, Sapnap!"

How could this idiot be his best friend? As much as they teased each other, at the end of the day, they still grew up together and have known one another for years. So he guessed that's why he put up with the idiot.

Sapnap eventually calmed down and gave him his knives back. Dream thanked him, put them back in his throwing knives bag. That's when Dream remembered the two crystals he also put in there. He carefully took out the few knives and took out the crystals, knives going back to his bag. The two crystals glowed softly, making Dream smile as he summoned the two animal constructs, a blue bird and a green dog.

Sapnap rolled his eyes, watching as Dream's two animal constructs circled the blonde, the blue bird landing on his head while the green dog trotted around him. Dream seemed entertained by the basic magical constructs, despite being able to create much more complicated magical constructs with the higher level of magic crystals he had. It was clear the basic magical crystals were his favorite.

"Not a crush my ass." Sapnap threw a pillow at the blonde, the two magical constructs disappearing, "Come on, lovebird! We'll miss our hunting mark if all you do is stare at them!"

"Don't call me that!" Dream threw the pillow back.

Sapnap laughed, "What, I'm not allowed to call you the type of bird you summoned?"

"...Wait, what?"

"...You... you do realized the blue bird is a Lovebird, right?"

"......."

Sapnap burst out laughing, earning another pillow to the face.

Chapter Text

The second day of the festival, again, starts off with a bang.

The two best friends go to the stall where Tommy and Clay had bought all the crystals. Tubbo was a bit disappointed, seeing as there were no more bees. However, he was very impressed and entertained by the other magical animal constructs. They didn't buy anymore, though. 

They stayed together through the morning, grinning and laughing as they went around the streets, visiting more stalls, places, buying treats and anything they found interested, all the while Tommy kept an eye out for his friend Clay and Tubbo kept an eye out for Pretty Man, his potential stalker. They don't see either of them, which Tubbo is fine with. Tommy was a bit upset with not seeing Clay, but understood the other was probably busy.

"We should go to festivals more often!" Tommy smiled brightly as they each held a stick of cotton candy.

Tubbo nodded, licking his lips in case of any stray cotton candy strands, "Definitely! I'll definitely keep an ear and eye out for any future festivals! This is so awesome!"

The place was full of surprises that kept them on their toys, but it was nice to spend a few days to themselves, having fun and relaxing. Even if they didn't have all the answers to why or how they have an inventor, how did it work, how did crafting without a crafting table work, etc. There was no real answer and, even if they wanted one, it was nice to just relax and have some fun doing something as simple as walk around a festival.

Things were so complicated, their world seemed so simple, yet their world seemed to have much more stronger items. Things they brought from their world (example being their Netherite tools and armor) were so much more overpowered here rather than in their world. Either way, there was no point in being confused and getting more questions than answers.

This was a festival, after all! It was time to have fun!

"Tommy!" A voice called from behind them, both turning. The blonde smiled brightly as the man jogged up to them, "Hey! I finally found you!" The man smiled, then turned to Tubbo. His smile faltered a bit, but he still remain polite.

"Clay!" Tommy exclaimed just as happily, "I was wondering if I would see you today! I know you said you'd be busy today, so it's awesome to see you! Oh, hey, Clay, remember me telling you about my best friend Tubbo?" He offered a hand to his friend, "This is him! Tubbo, this is Clay!"

Clay smiled, offering his hand to Tubbo, "Hello there Tubbo, Tommy's told me a lot about you yesterday."

Tubbo accepted his hand, shaking firmly, noting how Clay had a strong grip, "It's nice to meet you Clay! Tommy's told me all about you last night! Thank you so much for putting up with him, I know how much of a handful he is." Tubbo teased with a grin, causing Tommy to pout at him. "You really didn't have to buy him anything, especially the crystals but thank you very much for that!"

Clay waved it off, smiling, "Hey, it was the least that I could do for him. He's done a lot for me. Besides, he's not a handful. He's just energetic and enthusiastic." He said making Tommy beam at him.

"Ha! Clay gets me!" Tommy declared victoriously, slinging an arm around Clay's shoulder, "You Clay, are my new best friend." Clay chuckled, slinging an arm around Tommy's shoulder in turn.

"Oi!" Tubbo chuckled, knowing it was just a joke. After all, he and Tommy had been friends since they were kids! "Anyway, shall we go on? It's around lunch and I saw a nice tavern that was boasting some good food and drinks a little ways back."

"Sounds great! I'll pay-" Clay started only to have Tommy to shush him, looking a bit flustered and upset.

"SHHH!! You already paid for me yesterday Clay, you're not doing it again today!" He declared, "Tubbo is paying for lunch."

Tubbo hummed, shrugging. He didn't mind, smiling.

Clay frowned, "But-"

"Hey, don't complain about free stuff Clay, just enjoy yourself!" Tommy interrupted him, grinning as he quoted his words back, "You've spent enough money as it is, let Tubbo spend his money."

Tubbo laughed, patting Clay's shoulder, "Please! It's my treat, and I am very hungry. I'll pay for lunch, come on!" He insisted, grabbing Tommy who grabbed Clay and together they went into the tavern that Tubbo had seen before.

The Tipsy Pickaxe. 

It was a rambunctious, but charming, tavern with lot of people. Villagers, adventurers, and visitors all came for the Red Festival, so it only made sense the taverns and inns and other restaurants were packed. They were lucky to get a table, though it took awhile to get their orders. However, Tommy and Clay did not complain. After all, Tubbo was paying, so who cares if they waited a while for free food?

The three of them talked, both Tommy and Tubbo learning more about Clay and Clay learning more about them. Clay could see first hand between their dynamic, how close Tubbo and Tommy were as best friends, it reminded him of himself and his own two best friends. One particular best friend thankfully not anywhere near there, too busy with something else.

"Tubbo just stands there, smiling and sings 'We didn't start the fire!' after I literally watch him start the fire." Tommy remembered with an eye roll, motioning to the innocently smiling Tubbo. "He's a maniac I tell you. A true insane maniac." 

Tubbo just grins and sings out, tapping his hands with his singing, "'We didn't start the fire! It was always burning since the world's been turning!'"

Clay laughs as Tommy palms his face, failing to hide his smile at his best friend's antics. 

"Man, that's so chaotic-" Clay was interrupted by some stray shouting to the side.

All three of them went to look, seeing a crowd surrounding the tavern's bulletin board over at the wall. A group of people were boasting and posturing, saying something about a tournament that caught both Tommy and Tubbo's attention.

"A tournament?" 

Clay hummed, "Must be the battle tournament that's supposed to open today. I guess they're finally letting people sign-up for the event." He said, he sees their questioning looks and continues. "The King hosts a large tournament for the kingdoms, warriors, and fighters from all over come and battle. Uh, no killing though. Just fight until defeat, surrender or knock-out. Magic is allowed, but no lethal magic, no foul-play. You're allowed to bring your own weapons and armor but nothing enchanted or magical. Oh, and potions are allowed too but no health potions or, again, anything lethal." 

"Oh wow! That's kind of different from the Championships huh?" Tubbo questioned, looking over to Tommy who nodded.

That piqued Clay's interest, "Championships?" 

Tommy and Tubbo startled, sharing a look before speaking and turning back to explain to Clay, "They're these events back home where Tubbo and I come from, some of it is kinda like the battle tournament here I guess. They used to be a big deal, went on for like months. But essentially there are a few events in the Championship that are like the tournament, Survival Games comes to mind really. It's where people are pitted to fight each other, but they don't have any weapons, items or resources! They're all scattered around this huge arena they're in. Oh! And these events you're usually in a team." He explained carefully. 

"Oh, Skyblockle and Sky Battle come to mind too!" Tubbo chimed in, grinning widely, "Man, I love Sky Battle! But it as always so annoying having to build to the middle, especially since all the teams were so aggressive!"

Tommy chuckled, "I know right? Ooh, Battle Box too! Oh, and don't think I'm not still pissed you managed to get pass me in the Ace Race though Tubs, I hate that event so much!" He complained, glaring at Tubbo who laughed.

"I actually quite like it now that I'm better with the tridents." Tubbo replied smugly.

"Wait, you both participated?" Clay said with surprise, his surprise grew when they both grinned at him with pride.

"Participated? We both won a couple of times! Though most of the time we were on opposite teams." Tommy said, snickering at the wide-eyed look he got from Clay. 

Tubbo laughed as well, "Yeah! My team and I even won last season! Well, last season when we were back home." He said, his smile getting a bit sad.

Tommy was about to say something before he frowned as well. They wanted to participate more, but because of the whole world traveling, they obviously couldn't participate in any of the new events. How many seasons would they miss until they got back home?

Noticing their saddness, Clay took Tommy's hand, "Are you okay?"

Tommy sighed, but gave Clay a reassuring smile, "We're good! We're fine! It's just been a while since we participated in it. We've been away from home a long while. So I guess we're just a bit homesick."

"Yeah..." Tubbo sighed, smiling sadly.

Clay's frown deepened, he didn't like how quiet and upset they were, Tommy especially. Him being sad just really didn't seem to suit him, "Hey, you can always head back home if you want. But for now, you're in the middle of a festival in Glay S'ierre." He squeezed Tommy's hand, "Have fun, liven up!"

"Getting home won't be easy..." Tommy huffed, before he noticed theiir hands. His face went pink (much to Clay's amusement) and he pulled his hand back, laughing, "Ahaha! B-But you're right! No use in feeling all mopey and shit! We are going to enjoy ourselves as long as we're here!"

That was much better.

It didn't take long afterwards for their food to finally arrive and together they dug in, enjoying the tavern's food and drinks, the ale was pretty good! They weren't looking to get drunk just yet though, so they didn't drink vigorously and even ordered water halfway through. 

A stray thought entered Tubbo's mind though as he ate, "Do you think the tournament would be fun to participate in?"

Clay paused while Tommy looked thoughtful, "I mean, maybe. It'd be an opportunity to fight which can be fun, and it is a tournament. Who knows, maybe it could be fun!" 

What if they joined the tournament?

"You're both thinking of joining?" Clay questioned, blinking at them in surprise, "Are you sure? You'd be going off against a lot of people, and unlike the Championships you guys described, it's a single person tournament. No teams."

Both boys did think about it. Tommy was good with an axe, Tubbo liked using a trident. They were both good fighters and, if they could use their own weapons, the tournament would be a piece of cake!

"It sounds just like a standard PvP battle, only no enchantments and stuff. It's been a while since Tommy and I fought other people, like actually fought them head on and stuff! We've just been sparring against each other lately, it'd be better to fight against others occasionally so we don't get rusty or complacent." Tubbo said with a matter-of-fact tone.

His friend snorted, "The last part sounds like something my uncle would say."

"You have an uncle?" Clay hummed. Tommy never really talked much about his family, so he was a bit surprised.

Tommy nodded, "Mhmm! Well, he's not my biological uncle. He's my dad's best friend! But, growing up he's been an uncle-figure to me and my brother! And yes, I have a brother. Anyways-" He turned to his friend, "Tubbo, should we join the tournament? We'd have to use no enchantments so our usual set up is out." He said, looking over to his thoughtful friend.

"I know, but that's fine. No health potions, that's also fine..." Noticing the blonde's wiggling eyebrows, "No Tommy, we're not going to use gapples in the tournament."

Tommy snapped, "Dammit."

Clay snorted, "Those things would count as healing potions probably so yeah, don't use them." He said, amused. "So, you guys are really going to join?"

The two shared a grin, "Hell yeah we're joining! Sign us up!" Tommy cheered while Tubbo laughed.

Clay grinned, already looking forward to it. "I'll be cheering you guys on then."

This was going to be so much fun!

Chapter Text

Signing up for the tournament was easier than Tubbo and Tommy thought.

They just wrote their names down, their ages and such before submitting it to the officials at a certain location. They didn't even ask for identification which was good! That might've caused the problem if that was the case, since their identifications were, y'know, forged.

The next day, the best friends were ecstatic.

"I can't wait!" Tubbo cheered, the two walking to where the disqualifying rounds were held, "This is going to be so fun! It's been a long time since we both participated in a battle tournament and fought other people!" He couldn't help but think back to when he would train and fight with people like George and Sapnap or even Phil, Techno, and Wilbur.

Tommy nodded, agreeing, "Yeah! Shame that Clay can't watch us breeze through! Said that a friend needed a bit of help, but he'll watch us fight tomorrow!"

He had to admit, he was a bit disappointed that Clay couldn't come and watch them, but hey! He promised he would watch them tomorrow and cheer them on! Once they breezed through these rounds, they'd be officially part of the tournament!

"Oh, yes, how could I forget about Clay~?" Tubbo teased with a sly smile, "You really like him, huh~?"

Tommy blushed a bit and looked away, understanding his implications. Tubbo noticed the way Clay and Tommy seemed very close, not to mention how Clay looked at Tommy with such attraction and interest. Even if his best friend was oblivious, he noticed. He also noticed Tommy seemed to like Clay in more than a friendship sense.

"Well, yeah, he's a good friend!" Tommy huffed, ignoring his snickering friend.

People always teased them about being best friends, how Tommy was a little devil and Tubbo was a sweet angel who the blonde dragged along. But Tubbo was the real one you had to be worry about. With the innocent look, he could get away with so much mischief and no one would believe it was him until it was too late. Which, most of the time, worked in their favor, unless Tubbo's mischief was aimed at the blonde. He didn't know how many times Tubbo managed to trick or coax him into doing something he didn't think he'd ever do.

For example, kiss a guy and later find out he's actually bisexual instead of straight like he originally thought.

"Yeah, friend." Tubbo rolled his eyes and, before his friend could prod him to explain more, the brunette pointed ahead of them, "Tommy, look! We're here!"

Both friends shared a grin before booking it to the waiting area, which was full of other people. Adventurers, warriors, and fighters alike were all waiting, ready to partake in the competition. After signing in, they sat beside one another and talked, observing their competition.

They saw a lot of swordsmen and women. Axe wielders, spears, a few people who seemed to paired with a shield, or a bow, a crossbow, there were a diverse amount of people. But the most popular choice of weapon seemed to be the swords and spears.

Speaking of weapons, Tommy and Tubbo were still deciding on the weapons they were going to be used. They, obviously, couldn't use their enchanted weapons, so they created an unencanted set just for this. So they just had a standard set of weapons, both diamond and iron because why not? They still found it funny when people found out they had diamond equipment. Their netherite sets or armor and weapons were safe within their enderchests, yet to be seriously used. Between diamond and iron armor, they decided to go for iron for now. It was just the disqualifying rounds. And hey, iron was lighter so their movement should be better.

"How about we switch from round to round?" Tommy suggested to his best friend in their own little corner as they waited for the disqualifying rounds to start, "Like, one round we're using iron swords, the next either another iron weapon or maybe switch to diamond? Gotta keep everyone on their toes. I'm thinkin' of doing a bow and arrow first."

Thank god he managed to make a stack of regular arrows, a stack should be enough right? If not, he could always get the arrows back.

Tubbo hummed, "Sounds good! I'll go with the classic iron sword for the first round then."

hey snickered to each other, this was definitely going to be fun.  

A few minutes later, the officials came and gave everyone a special little crystal for them to attach to their armor or clothes. 

It was something called a monitoring crystal, modified a bit for the disqualifying rounds. Everyone had a set amount of points that the crystal kept track of. With each hit, critical or not, would subtract a certain amount of points. The first to lose a specific amount of points would lose, or until the timer ran out, then the person with the fewest points would lose. Or, if someone was knocked out of the ring, it would be an automatic loose for said person.

Their names were put into a random shuffle, and then they'd be paired with someone random. The tournament itself needed twenty-five people. Out of the hundreds that came, only twenty five were going to actually attend the tournament. Then, there wouldn't be a timer, no monitoring crystal, no points. Just a fight until knock-out, someone surrendering, or someone getting knocked out of bounds.

Tommy and Tubbo were going to get into that tournament, they were willing to bet on it.

The disqualifying rounds took place in smaller arenas and stages, smaller than the official tournament arena. Each one had a referee and an official keeping track of their points and making sure no won cheated. Not to mention the healers who would help heal and patch up fighters after their rounds.

People were patted down and checked for health potions and hidden enchantments. Tubbo and Tommy passed flawlessly, seeing as their detection magic couldn't detect their inventories. That and they really didn't have any enchantments or potions with them. Well, unless you counted their Ender Chests as an enchanted item. But it's not like they were going to use them in a tournament, there's no need.

Together, the two friends watched as the rounds began, awaiting for their own rounds to start.

Chapter Text

Tommy's first round was up first. He was up against a person who wielded a shield and sword, Tommy deciding on his bow being his main weapons, his sword his secondary. It wasn't the best pairing on Tommy's end, seeing as a shield made it easy to block his arrows, but when you're as creative, persistent, and stubborn as Tommy, you could do anything. 

As soon as the referee shouted for the match to beging, Tommy moved. He sprinted towards his opponent, rather than gaining some distance, and slammed into the shield. It caught his opponent by surprise, the other quickly catching himself before he could fall outside the arena. Tommy quickly drew the string of his bow back, aiming and letting the arrow fly.

It grazed his opponent's shoulder, who managed to stumble away and dodge. However, his stumbling costed him, as Tommy kicked the sword out of his opponents hands, letting the weapon fly off to the side. He used his bow and quickly hit his opponent in the arm, causing him to cry out in pain. The crystal started to glow softly, registering the hit and deducting points. His opponent tried to recover, but Tommy jumped out of the way before he could land a hit.

Tommy drew the string of his bow again, smirking when his opponent hid behind his shield. Instead of the arrow flying forward, Tommy did. He slammed himself into the shield once more, knocking the man off his feet completely, right near the edge. Tommy dropped his bow, grabbed  his opponent's arm, and threw his opponent off the stage.

He grinned, full of pride as he stood on stage, victorious. He didn't even need his sword for that round! It was disappointingly short, but it still had it's moments. Especially the parts where Tommy had to use his body as a battering ram.

"Round over! Participant Tommy passes!"

Tommy smirked, Oh yeah, this was going to be fun!

~~~

Tubbo was so disappointed with his first round, not at all entertained.

His opponent was a cocky amateur swordswoman. She was hot-headed and extremely prideful. Tommy was like that, but at least he knew when not to be and that he wasn't always number one. He was humble, still. Unlike her, who acted as though she was the best swordswoman and everyone else was beneath her. She spent the first few seconds boasting on her skills to Tubbo, verbally degrading him and taunting him and already Tubbo can tell that she wasn't going to last very long.

The woman didn't have the look of an actual fighter, it wasn't in her eyes. Tubbo had kinda a skill for seeing if someone was a fighter, the eyes are the key to one's soul. Maybe the girl was a prodigy, but she was inexperienced. Prideful mixed with arrogance and sprinkle on top inexperience? You got yourself a bad fight, on her end of course.

Her armor was too fancy and gaudy to Tubbo and she topped it off with a steel rapier, a sword of class. However, all the finesse got thrown out the window when Tubbo watched her. Her stance was terrible and the dainty stick she called a sword was held poorly. Tubbo huffed as he got into position. What a pity, he wanted to see a rapier in action.

The woman was angered that Tubbo simply ignored her, feeling as though it was an insult, an attack of her! How dare he ignore her?! She was too enraged to realize his bait and charged. Tubbo waited for the right moment, smirking when it came. He dodged to the side and gave her a strong, but not too strong as he didn't want to break her bones, kick that toppled her to the ground, outside the arena.

After getting over her shock, she shrieked, "You cheating SHIT! I demand a rematch! Do you have any idea who I am?! I am the daughter of the Nobleman Opal! You cannot do that to me!"

Tubbo smiled politely, winking at her, "Sorry sweetheart, but you need to work on your temper. You may have the looks, but that's all you got right now. Once that anger gets under control, we'll see about a rematch!"

The woman was shocked, stunned silence. She began screaming profanities as the guards whisked her away, the referee announcing his win.

"Round over! Participant Tubbo passes!"

Tubbo sighed, how disappointing indeed. Her reactions were amusing though. It was unfair! At least Tommy managed to get in some hits before he knocked his opponent out of the ring. He grumbled, walking to go find his best friend.

~~~

Techno sighed as he arrived at the disqualifying rounds. His search for Lava Bee came up short, just like yesterday, much to his dismay. He couldn't delay going to the disqualifying rounds any longer, however, as he had promised Phil he would go. He headed to the arena to "supervise" and watch the rounds. Who knows, maybe he'd see something entertaining or someone he found interesting.

(No one is as interesting as Lava Bee, though...)

He arrives as he is, maskless and out of uniform, which made him practically unknown to the general public. To everyone else, he's just another spectator watching the rounds and seeing who beats who, who joins the tournament, and who might be the upcoming opponent to the Bloody General.

Aka, him.

He strolls through the area, blending in with the crowd as best he could. Thankfully, he wasn't the only pink haired piglin hybrid around, they weren't uncommon. Hell, some people dyed their hair pink or other crazy colors, whether it be for person reasons or disguises, so he really didn't stand out.

He watches a few fight, critically observing the fighters, the way they fight, their body language, the power behind their blows, etc. Some of the batch of upcoming fighters were actually not too shabby, some were cocky and they either won or got their ass handed to them, and some were just... awful. Either way, he was watching some decent fights in the disqualifying round, so maybe it wouldn't be that bad.

"-and it was so- GAH! TOMMY!" He heard in the distance, perking up at the familiar voice, "It's Pretty Man!"

Pretty Man? Only one person called him that.

Lava Bee.

He turned, eyes searching. Lava Bee was here?! Where? All this time, he was here? At least for today, unless he's watching the fights or-

He spots him, the brunette with blue eyes he had been trying to find for the past few days. Lava Bee stands beside another young man around his age, blonde and a bit taller than Lava Bee. Both of them look startled at the sight of him, both wearing armor. 

Lava Bee was participating in the disqualifying rounds, trying to join the tournament!

Techno smirks, now he had a reason to watch the tournament. No way was he going to miss his Lava Bee fighting in the tournament!

Lava Bee squeaks when he sees his smirking face. His face turned a bright red as he quickly turned away, grabbing his friend's (Tommy, was it?) hand, dragging him away. However, Techno was already on the move. Lava Bee tried to disappear into the crowd, like he did before, but just like before, Techno caught up. Then again, he did have a struggling friend resisting him, so it was a bit easier. Oh, and this time he has no potions! The tournament didn't allow them! So he couldn't use an invisibility potion like before before to hide!

He cut his Lava Bee off, the boy squeaking and stopping.

"God dammit, T- oh..." Tommy looked up, seeing Techno.

The piglin hybrid ignore him, leaning down with a small smirk, loving the way his Lava Bee's face turned a bright red. Just like when Lava Bee escaped him, he leaned down so their noses brushed, Lava Bee's whole face a bright red.

"Well, well, well." He teased with an amused smirk, "We meet again!"

Chapter Text

"Well, well, well." Techno teased with an amused smirk, "We meet again!"

Lava Bee lets out a whine, letting go of Tommy's hand and turning his face away, but didn't push him back. He huffed, "S-So it would seem!" He scowled, which made Techno even more amused as Tommy laughed.

Tommy moved to stand beside Techno, gently pushing him back, the hybrid standing up straight once more. He didn't appreciated the blonde touching him, getting in between him and his Lava Bee, but understood they were friends.

"Well, you were right about one thing, Tubbo! He is pretty! Not my type, but good on you!" Tommy pat Lava Bee's, Tubbo's, shoulder.

Tubbo gave a small glare to his friend, earning another laugh.

"So, Tubbo-" Techno smirked, Tubbo glaring more at his friend for giving away his name, "-you and your friend Tommy are aiming to join the tournament? Have you had your rounds yet?"

Tubbo nodded with a shrug, "We wanted to join because it seemed fun!"

Techno widened his eyes, "You... You joined because it seemed like fun?"

"Yep! And it's been fun and, well, yeah! We've had two rounds each and Tubbo's luck has been really shitty!" Tommy chuckled, "Both his opponents were knocked out of the ring easily, he hasn't had a proper fight yet! Wait-!"

"My third round is coming up." Tubbo huffed.

"Come on now, bud, third time's a charm!"

"Hopefully. As entertaining as it is to knock people out of the ring, I want an actual fight!" Tubbo pouted, "I want to put at least some effort!"

God, his Lava Bee looked so cute when he pouted! Although Techno is not a huge fan of arrogance (or anything that sounds like arrogance), but he could tell the two were being genuine. They were sincere, and he's seen Tubbo fight. They had the skill to back up their words.

Techno smiled, "Well, I'm looking forward to seeing you fight. Let's see if you get into the tournament, Tubbo." His name rolled off his tongue so nicely.

The brunette scowls at him, "You, Pretty Man, are very infuriating!" He stomps off, Tommy laughing as he followed close behind.

Techno also followed behind, wanting to see the fight as well.

~~~

Tubbo's opponent is almost twice as big as him, muscular and wielding a hammer. He's big, experienced, and Tubbo was delighted. He had to stop himself from bouncing on his heels.

"Wow, sir, you are quite massive!" Tubbo exclaimed, smiling brightly, "It'll be an honor to fight you!"

"Thank you." The man said with a smile as well, holding out his hand, "You as well, little warrior."

Oh, he's polite! Tubbo shook his hand and the two backed away from each other. It's not everyday you see a honorable fighter. Tubbo was so ecstatic and happy, finally a polite and well-meaning experienced opponent! Tubbo held a crossbow with a diamond axe strapped to his side.

"Round begin!" The referee announced.

Tubbo didn't hesitate to gain a bit of distance, loading and shooting his crossbow. The arrow is blocked by the hammer, bouncing off as Tubbo loads another while the man charged.

Technoblade watched as his Lava Bee rolled to the side, managing to shoot again. It hit the man's side, the crystal beeping and registering the hit, deducting points. The man does grunt in pain, but it doesn't stop him. He swings and it nearly hits Tubbo, grazes him actually. This time, Tubbo quickly unstrapped his axe and move it. He was quick, light shining off of the diamond weapon as it clashed against the iron warhammer. To everyone's surprise, even the wielder of the hammer, Tubbo matches his strength. The man stood his ground, applying pressure against his weapon.

Tubbo is only forced back back an inch, a strained grin on his face, an excited look in his blue eyes that made Techno stare longer than he should have. The diamond axe is strong in Tubbo's grip, facing the heavy hammer easily and unyielding, just like its owner. Tubbo suddenly shift his stance and the axe slides down the hammer, slicing against the man's hand, making him shout and drop his hammer on instinct.

He did cut off his fingers, but Techno knows he could.

There's blood on the bruntte's axe and Tubbo is just smiling, delighted and giddy. It's charming, Techno decided, absolutely charming.

"WHOOOOO! TUBBO!!!" Tommy cheers from the sidelines.

Tubbo leaps at the man, slamming the dull-side of his axe against his opponent's forehead, knocking him out.

"Round over! Participant Tubbo passes!"

Techno stared at the man standing in the arena with a slightly bloody axe and a wide grin on his face, barely winded by the fight. It was short, but effective and powerful.

Techno was looking forward to the tournament tomorrow.

He can't wait to watch his Lava Bee fight more!

.....

He didn't notice he had started calling Tubbo his Lava Bee.

Chapter Text

"That was great, Tubs! I told you, third time's the charm! You really did a number on him!" Tommy said with a grin as Tubbo walked back over to him and Pretty Man.

Tubbo mirrors the grin as Tommy threw an arm around his shoulder, "Yeah! It was short, but fun! And he was so polite, I hope I wasn't too rough!" He and Tommy shared a laugh, which Tubbo paused when Pretty Man pat his shoulder.

"Congratulations, you did great." Pretty Man told him.

Tubbo huffed, crossing his arms as the hybrid removed his hands, "I did amazing, thank you very much! And what do you want? Are you going to pester me about the potions and stuff every time we meet."

Pretty Man chuckled, "As much as I'd love to, Tubbo, that can wait." He smirked and Tubbo's cheeks blushed, "You can fight pretty well. At this point, I'd be amazed if you didn't get into the tournament."

"Hah! We're definitely joining the tournament, pink man! You ain't seen nothing yet!" Tommy boasted, gently nudging his best friend, "There's not a lot of people left in the disqualifying rounds! Just a few more people and we'll be in the tournament!"

"I think there's just one more match for me and you." Tubbo hummed, not completely sure.

The only people left were the stronger opponents, which included the two young men. Only twenty five of the hundreds of people would join the tournament, and Tommy and Tubbo knew they would be one of those twenty five. That's a fact!

Pretty Man chuckled once more, "You're right. I have to wonder though, will you be able to defeat everyone else and face the General in the end?" 

At the questioned, both the young men looked at him, questioning what he meant. They blinked, completely confused.

In turn, he held a look of surprised, "You... You do realize that, at the end of the tournament, the winner gets to face off against the Bloody General of the Antarctic Empire... right...?"

"Oh, really?" Tubbo questioned, "The bloke who's, like, the King's best friend and stuff, right? That sounds like a rather unfair prize." He crossed his arms over his chest, Tommy nodding in agreement, "You beat all these people, now you have to beat this guy who's super duper strong for your actual prize? What's the actual prize if one of us beats the big bad General?"

Pretty Man let out a choked gasp, "You guys-! You joined without realizing that?! You joined just for fun, without know about the fact the General was involved!"

The two smiled awkwardly.

Pretty Man laughed, "Geez... Well, most would say the honor and glory of fighting the Bloody General alone is a prize itself. And that's a bold question. Not a lot of people can beat him."

Tommy huffed, "It still sounds like a stupid prize! 'Sides, Tubbo and I aren't here for honor or glory or anything like that, we're just hear to have fun! I mean, don't get me wrong, he sounds like a strong person, but I still would expect something more!"

"I suppose if one of you can manage to beat the Bloody General, then you would have the attention of the king." Pretty Man offered, "Maybe you can ask him. But that's only if you beat the General. Which one of you would even go up against him? You'd have to fight everyone else before going against him, that includes each other."

"That's what the other suckers have to worry about!" Tommy waved hims off, "Tubbo and I are gonna be the final two and it's a fifty-fifty chance, really! Again, we're not here for glory and all that shit, we just wanna have fun!"

Tubbo nodded in agreement, "Yeah... Oh! Tommy, when it's you and me, let's just do rock, paper, scissors!" He laughed, "Whoever wins faces the General! Loser has to forfeit!"

Tommy gasped and nodded, both laughing.

They could fight against each other like normal people, but the idea of both of them working so hard to get to the end to fight, only to disappoint the crowd with a rock, paper, scissors match was too funny. Besides, going up against someone named the Bloody General was to tempting to pass up, and they would much rather just skip to the good stuff.

Pretty Man looked flabbergasted, which Tubbo laughed at, "You're actually serious...?"

"Oh definitely!" "Absolutely!" Both young men laughed.

"It's not against the rules now, is it?" Tubbo asked with a sly smile.

Pretty Man shook his head with an amused smile as he ran a hand through his gorgeous pink hair, "No... No, it's not against the rules. But my god, you two... I cannot describe how I feel about you and your friend. You are both certainly unique."

"Why, thank you, Pretty Man! You are quite unique yourself!" Tubbo beamed, giggling. He then grabbed his friend's hand, "Now, it was arguably nice to see you, Pretty Man, but Tommy and I have to go! Gotta see our next rounds, see ya!"

Tubbo then drags Tommy away, expecting Pretty Man to follow. It was a surprise he didn't, he simply watched them leave, red eyes trained on his Lava Bee.

When they were far enough away, Tommy asked, "You seem so annoyed by your Pretty Man, I thought you liked him."

He couldn't help but chuckle at the glare he got from Tubbo.

Tubbo huffed, "I do, I don- I just- UG! He's just a bit infuriating! And I can't handle his type of hot! Did you see the way he looks when he smirks?! I just-" Tubbo whines and covered his blushing face with his hands, Tommy laughing and patting his back, "It's SO unfair!"

Tommy pulled him into a hug, patting his shoulder as Tubbo groaned into his shoulder, "Awww~ There, there, widdle baby! It really is unfair, isn't it?" He chuckled when Tubbo hits him for the 'baby' bit.

They separate soon after and Tubbo focuses back into the disqualifying rounds. Much to his annoyance, he thinks he's seeing Pretty Man at the corner of his vision from then on. Which really wasn't fair or good for Tubbo, how could he focus when the handsome man was just constantly looking at him?

However, he and Tommy still win their rounds and, as predicted, they got their slots into the tournament.

Chapter Text

Dream sighed as he arrived at the arena where the disqualifying rounds were held. As in, past tense.

Unfortunately, he couldn't watch Tommy (and Tubbo, but mainly Tommy) fight his opponents like he originally wanted. Sapnap had needed help with his hunt, his target was freaked out when Dream killed his. Which was understandable. But Dream killed his target early because he wanted the hunt to end asap so he could relax and spend his free time with a charmingly strong young man named Tommy! 

His target, Nobleman Ghi's, head was wrapped up in a pretty little box, hidden in the folds of his special spatial pouch, ready to be shipped to his client as proof and as requested. Sapnap's target had caught wind and was instantly paranoid for his safety that Dream had no other choice but to help Sapnap. 

Getting through all those booby traps had been annoying, but Dream had managed to do it and now Sapnap had his own target's head.

They were both now done with their hunts and could leave Glay S'ierre at any moment. But, nooooo, Dream wanted to stay for the rest of the festival!

Dream did promise he'd watch Tommy and his friend Tubbo at the tournament after all. Sapnap was staying because he still had to find souvenirs for George, pick up a few things for Bad and Antfrost, and just because he had to be a dick about the fact Dream was staying for Tommy.

He might have missed the rounds themselves, but he still could visit them after the rounds were over!

"Clay?!" Dream grinned as Tommy spotted him from afar, the older blonde running over to meet him, "Oh my god, you're here! I though I wouldn't see you until tomorrow!"

Dream wished that he could tell Tommy is actual name, just to hear it from his mouth. He said Clay with such fondness, he wanted the same fondness being spoken with his real name, "Well, I managed to finish early with my friend and noticed the time! I know I missed your rounds, but I wanted to check this place out and see you!" The older smiled, blushing as he quickly added, "O-Oh, and Tubbo! Um, how'd you both do? Get in the tournament?"

Tommy's eyes lit up as he smiled brightly, practically glowing, "We did AWESOME! Look, see?! We got in the tournament!" Tommy showed off a golden pin on his shirt, a participation pin, "I told you we'd get in!"

The bounty hunter nodded, chuckling, "I never doubted you for a moment!" He then glance behind the boy, "Oh, hello Tubbo! Congrats on getting in the tournament with Tommy!"

His best friend walked over with a grin, "Thanks, Clay! It's nice to see you again!" He then looked around wearily.

"Trying to find Pretty Man?" Tommy teased.

"You never know when he'll show up! He could come from the left, from the right!"

"Up, down-"

"Stop teasing me!"

"Pretty Man?" Dream asked, tilting his head curiously.

"He's this- oh my god, I've never asked for his name!" Tubbo groaned.

"He's a nameless half piglin that's got Tubbo here all flustered and shit. They met in the Nether and the first day of the festival and he was here earlier and now Tubbo's all nervous and embarrassed and shit." Tommy explained with a smirk, laughing as Tubbo glared and began shaking him by the shoulders.

"SHUT UP! I am NOT nervous! He's just-" He let go, groaning and clenching his head, "UG! Tommy, he is too handsom and I can't focus if he's following me around like a creep! He's been watching us since my third round!"

Tommy snickered, "Oh, don't give me that, Tubs! You can ignore him you can ignore me easily and that's hard to do! 'Sides, he's been watching you, not us, you. He's way more interested in your rounds rather than mine. Or maybe he's just interested in you~!" Tommy dodged Tubbo's punch towards the face, "Anywho, it doesn't look like he's around! Maybe he finally went home?"

"Oh." Tubbo said, his voice a mix of relief and disappointment.

Despite all the complaining, Dream could tell Tubbo did have some sort of attraction to this 'Pretty Man.' Tommy didn't, though. He seemed more interested in the entertainment of his best friend freaking out over this random nameless person. This made Dream happy, knowing Tommy didn't like someone. Maybe he could-

Okay, maybe Sapnap was right (for once).

Maybe he did like the young man?

"Clay? What's up, buddy, you alright?" Tommy questioned, looking concerned.

Dream hummed and gave an awkward laugh, "S-Sorry! I'm good, just thinking and watching you two! Anyways, you two excited for tomorrow?"

"Definitely! Me and Tubbo are gonna breeze right on through this tournament!" Tommy smirked, "And when we're at the end, the fight between me and Tubbo is going to be hilarious, I tell you!" 

Seeing Tommy and Tubbo's mischievous grins, Dream couldn't help but ask, "Oh, yeah? Why?"

Tubbo giggled, "So, you know how if you win, you go up against the Bloody General, right? Well, when Tommy and I face each other, we aren't gonna fight! It's a fifty fifty chance on both our parts, so we're just gonna do rock, paper, scissors, winner takes on the big bad! That way, we skip right to the good stuff!"

Tommy and him burst into a fit of laughter as Dream looked at them, dumbfounded.

"Oh my god, that face Clay!" Tommy laughed, leaning against the older blonde for support.

"You-!" Dream was in shock, to say the least, "You're going to do rock, paper, scissors for the fight? Between the two of you? In front of, like, thousands of people?"

Tubbo giggled, nodding, "It'll make it even more hilarious! Besides, Tommy and I just wanna have fun, so it's not like we're loosing anything if we do or don't go up against the general! 'Sides, this is a game to us, why not end it with a game?"

Dream was baffled.

"Maybe one day you can watch me and my best friend here go all out, that would be something to watch, Clay. But like Tubs said, we joined for fun! We do want to win, don't get us wrong, but we will have fun fighting other people!" Tommy pat Dream's shoulder, smiling, "Now, come on! Tubbo and I are gonna go have dinner at a great place to celebrate, wanna join?"

Dream cleared his head of the dumbfounded thoughts, returning the smile, "Alright! Man, you two are the most entertaining people I've met in a long time! Can't wait to watch you guys tomorrow! I'm looking forward to both of your fights, may the best man win! At rock, paper, scissors!"

Tubbo and Tommy nodded, cheering as the three walked to the decided tavern, the two young men babbling and retelling their fights to Dream.

Tomorrow was going to be great, he could already tell.

~~~

"You know, Phil, I was wrong about the tournament. I'm actually looking forward to it!"

Phil's feather quill scratches against the paper, nearly tearing it apart as the tip of his quill is forcibly pressed to the side from his shock at the sudden admittance from his right hand man, his best friend, "Uh... excuse me?" He looked up to stare at Techno, who was sitting by the window, reading a book with a pleasant smile on his face.

Techno simply turned the page, not bothering to look up from his book, "You're excused, Phil." He teased, that prick. He adjusted his glasses before his hand went back to his book, "Like I said, I'm looking forward to the tournament."

"...Okay?" Phil narrowed his eyes at him, skeptically, "Why...? What's going on in the tournament? Is there another assassin coming after you?"

God, the poor guy who tried to take out Techno... He was alive, just retired... mainly because it's hard to be an assassin without any legs.

"No, but that'd make things even better if that was the case." Techno chuckled, closing his book and grinning at him, "Tubbo's in the tournament!"

Phil tilted his head, looking at him, unimpressed, "And who is Tubbo?"

Chapter Text

The fourth day of the festival started early, with great excitement in the air as the coliseum opened to thousands. The tournament was officially beginning and the participants were armed and ready.

The coliseum was large and could easily fit hundreds to thousands of people. The walls were thick, made with concrete and marble. Light blue, red and white decorated the arena. The Antarctic Empire's flags flowed in the sky proudly on the pillars of the coliseum. The arena itself had been dug into the earth, many called it 'The Pit' for this fact. It was wide and deep, but not deep enough that the audience wouldn't be able to see the action.

"Holy shit, this is so cool! Props to the builders who made this place!" Tommy said, in awe at the giant coliseum. It reminded him of the Championships.

Tubbo nodded in agreement as they looked over the coliseum in all its glory, "Yeah! Kinda reminds me of battle box and survival games! Only, it's just a pit and we already have our stuff with us!"

Clay chuckled, "The Antarctic Empire does have pretty good architects, not to mention great builders!" He agreed.

He leaned against the railing from where they stood, at the edge of the audience stands and the arena. There were so many people withing the seats, though most of the participants, like Tubbo and Tommy, looked over the arena, antsy and anticipating the tournament's start.

"Ladies, gentlemen, everyone in between! Welcome! To the Red Festival's Tournament!" A voice came from the transparent crystals situated around the coliseum.

The entire place erupted with cheers and screams, there were some loud explosions as magic sparks started to fall from the air like gentle snow only to disappear.

"Twenty-five participants have come to challenge each other and get the chance to meet and possibly go against the Bloody General himself! Unfortunately he will not be making an appearance today... I know, I know, a shame. But he is certainly watching! Tomorrow, he will make his official appearance to the lucky winner of the tournament!"

Disappointing as it was to not see the Bloody General in person, it didn't deter the excitement one bit as the voice continued.

"Participants get ready! The first fight of the day shall be starting soon, between the Blaze Hybrid Jimina and the Overworld Swordswoman Freya!" 

"Whooo!" Tommy screamed with the crowd, excited to see the fight, "I watched Jimina! He's got style and a good hold of his powers! His aim isn't the best, but he makes it up with his firepower! Or tries to at least..."

Clay hummed, "I've heard of Freya. She's pretty goog herself, her swordsmanship isn't something to scoff at." He explained as two elevating platforms on the edge of the arena started to go down, carrying their respective fighter.

"Let's see who wins!" Tubbo exclaimed, bouncing on his heels as he watched the two fighters take steps towards one another.

"And with this, ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between, let the tournament BEGIN! START THE BATTLE!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the battle began

~~~

The past few fights weren't too bad, Techno thought to himself. He sat in his seat, watching each fight come and pass. He was once again hiding within the crowd, wanting to blend in once more. He had decided not to 'officially' show up until the winner of the tournament was decided. It took a bit of convincing, but Phil agreed.

Plus, it'd be more amusing when Tubbo and his friend finally realized who he was, whether or not either of them won. He had high hopes and expectations of them, they better not disappoint.

So far, Tubbo and Tommy have yet to be called, but Techno knew they were up next. He saw the roster for today, so he knew the order. Tommy was up against an Enderman Hybrid named Edward.

Techno smirked, holding his chin up with his hand, "Well Tommy, you did well in the disqualifying rounds." He murmured, "Let's see how you face against Edward."

It may not have been Tubbo, but he was interested in the fight, nonetheless.

~~~

"And for out next battle- oho! We have Enderman Hybrid Edward versus Overworld Axewielder Tommy!"

Dream couldn't help but curse at the match up, he knew how capable Enderman Hybrids were, "Damn, and it's his first fight..." He mumbled, a bit worried for the young blonde who he had a crush o- NO! That's Sapnap teasing him!

He might see Tommy in a very attractive light, seeing as no one could be blind to his looks, his charm, how handsome he was, his personality. Not to mention his laugh. God, he loved when Tommy laughed and smiled! He was so fucking cute and he lit up the room with-

Dammit, okay, he had a crush, but it wasn't that big of a deal!

"Oh cool, he's going up against an Enderman Hybrid!" Tubbo chimed, leaning on his hand which was propped on the railing, no way he would miss his best friend's fight! "Let's see how he does! It's been a while."

Dream was a bit shocked, "He's fought against an Enderman Hybrid before?"

"Oh yeah! One of our friends is part Enderman, part Ghast! Really powerful and fun to fight against, never know when he's going to show up or if he's gonna teleport or send fireballs! At least he doesn't have to worry about that this fight!"

"A-An Enderman and Ghast mix?! That's... holy shit..."

Hybrids were rare, but mixes? A hybrid was already technically a mix, seeing as it was already two mobs, but a mix means three! Depending on the mix, you can have one hell of a fight, especially against an apparent Enderman Ghast mix. That was practically unheard of!

Tubbo giggled, amused by his shock, "Hehe! Yeah! Anyways, Tommy should have this, otherwise I'll laugh and never let him live this down if he looses. He knows that, so he won't loose." He looked at the two, tilting his head, "Plus, he has iron armor and a diamond axe. The axe does a ton of damage, though it's not our usual enchanted axe. It should be enough, though. If all else fails, he has another axe. A iron one."

Dream held back a loving sigh, remembering the way Tommy used that enchanted Netherite axe. That was hot. "...Oh."

"Alright combatants are ready! Begin!" 

Tommy wasted no time, charging forward with a grin on his face and diamond axe in hand. Edward wielded a spear, disappeared in place with a bzssh. Tommy immediately threw his guard up, skidding to a halt and his stance changing into a defensive one as he stayed in place for-

Vvwwobzshh! 

Edward appeared once more behind Tommy, swinging his spear sideways. But Tommy was quick to move his axe to block the solid, metal pole. The weapons hit with a loud CLANG! Tommy didn't look surprised nor bothered by it and it was clear that their strength matched. Edward's spear refused to budge and so Edward disappeared once again, reappearing from afar.

Tommy twirled his axe, the light glinting from its diamond surface as Tommy hefted it on his shoulder. He still had a grin on his face as he held his hand up. Daringly, he looked straight into Edward's eyes and Dream's grip on the railing tightened. Edward hissed but thankfully he wasn't raging. Tommy motioned Edward to come at him, smirking. Edward's reply was a swift and accurate throw of his spear. It sped right at Tommy who swiftly swung his axe, hitting the spear sending it in the air.

Edward however was already gone and Tommy ran towards where the spear was flying towards, just as the spear hit the ground, Edward appeared, rolling to grab it and to dodge the swinging axe that collided with the ground. Kicking up dust and dirt from the force of impact. Tommy twisted in place to avoid the thrusting spear sent in his direction.

The spear didn't quite hit its mark. 

Instead of piercing through skin, it tore through fabric, hitting the part of Tommy's clothing that was exposed from his armor underneath his arm, barely grazing the skin. Grabbing his iron axe from his spatial pouch with his free hand, the young blond threw it towards Edward, missing completely as the hybrid disappeared once more. 

Quickly freeing from his diamond axe from the ground, he dashed towards his iron one, avoiding the teleporting Edward that swung, twirled, and thrusted his spear at Tommy. He even had to jump forward and roll, grabbing his axe and ending up on one knee and using both axes to halt the spear that nearly hit his face, the tip just poking his nose. Dream's heart raced in anticipation and sudden adrenaline as Tommy tilted his head and shot Edward a cocky smirk and dropped both of his axes and grabbed on to Edward's spear with both hands. The spear moving past Tommy's head, going through the side of his hair as Tommy jerked with the spear in hand. 

The hybrid let out a startled yelp as Tommy forced him forward, knees grinding against the dirt as Tommy showed off his strength through gritted smiling teeth as he swung the spear with Edward attached to it. The Enderman Hybrid was thrown to the ground, temporarily stunned by the action and by the sudden pain. Tommy didn't hesitate to grab both his axes, straddle and pin Edward to the ground and slam both his axes right besides Edward's head.

"I yield!" Edwards shouts, abruptly terrified by the action as well as the glint in Tommy's eyes. He looked like he would not hesitate to kill.

"Edward yields! The winner is Axewielding Tommy!"

The crowd roars as Tommy got off Edward, removing his axes. He beamed, smiling victoriously as he waved at the crowd with his axes. He tucked them away before he looked up, meeting Dream's eyes. Tommy smiled brightly and let out a giggle, tilting his head cutely as he winked. Dream wheezed, his face turning a bright red as his heart rate increased. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, as if he was on a hunt. But stronger.Because, god damn, that was hot.

That. Was. Amazingly. Stupid. HOT.

Sapnap was right, he had a crush and he didn't care anymore.

"WHOOOOOOO! TOMMY!" Tubbo screamed from his side, clapping and laughing as his best friend helped Edward up, the two talking a bit more. 

When Tommy came back from the elevating platform, he was almost tackled down by Tubbo's hug. They both laughed, feeling great from Tommy's first win.

"That was so much fun! Edward was great, but not as tough as Ran! He could probably come close if he worked more on his teleporting and spear attacks!" He told Tubbo before he approached Dream, smiling brightly, "Clay! Did you see how awesome I did?! I told you I was fucking awesome, didn't I?!"

"Yeah, it was incredible, amazing, fuck, I can't even describe it!" Dream replied with a grin, "I can't wait to see you fight more, it was beautiful!"

You were beautiful.

It might've been more amazing if Tommy was able to use his enchanted stuff. The glowing particles lighting up his beauty? He would have fainted.

Tommy's face flushed a bit at the compliment, giggling and smiling more.

Meanwhile, Tubbo snickered, "Beautiful, he said!"

Tubbo was sly, giving Dream a knowing look, but the older blonde only smiled back. Tubbo seemed to approve, so that's nice.

"I-it was awesome, okay?! No more needs to be said!" Tommy insisted with a red face, much to the amusement of his two friends.

Friends.

Dream definitely wanted to change that, he wanted to be more. But there was no rush. If he was friends with Tommy's, that was fine.

Chapter Text

"Impressive." Techno noted, "Tommy clearly has some skill, I'll give him that."

He hadn't expected Tommy's choice of weapons, two axes? He expected a bow, crossbow, sword, something like in the disqualifying rounds. However, he chose two axes instead. It was interesting, don't get him wrong. But nothing could compare to the interest he had in his Lava Bee. Unfortunately, Tubbo still had to wait to show his skill, had to wait before his first match. However, after Tommy won his, there was one more round, then it would be his Lava Bee versus a dual wielding swordsman named Ulrich.

Techno didn't give much thought to the fight, anticipation for the next round overthrowing everything else. A small smirk curled up on his face as the announcer began speaking once more.

"Up next, we have the Dual Swordsman Ulrich versus... uh, is this right? I-I mean, versus Fishing Rod Tubbo!"

"...Eh?" Techno blinked, stunned. Fishing Rod Tubbo? Was he really going with a fishing rod? 

Tubbo came out with a fishing rod, but he had another weapon!

...He had a shovel... a diamond shovel.

His Lava Bee held his shovel in one hand, the fishing rod on his back, smiling brightly at Ulrich and waving at him and the audience. Techno was dumbfounded, he never thought he could ever feel this... just stunned and dumbfounded, but Tubbo seemed to make him feel like that constantly. Tubbo was full of surprises, mysteries, and amazement.

"Fighters, ready! Aaaaaaaaand, BEGIN!" 

Ulrich snapped out of his stunned state and attacked first, rushing Tubbo, who stood still with a smile on his face and his shovel in hand. Techno couldn't help but lean in from seat as the dual wielding man charged. He watches as Tubbo suddenly dashed forward when Ulrich was close enough, his opponent skidding to a stop just in time to dodge the swing of the shovel, the shiny head shining before disappearing as it hit the ground hard. Kicking up dust and leaving a sizeable dent in the dirt. 

Techno realized that even if Tubbo was fighting with a shovel of all things, it wouldn't matter because Tubbo had strength and a weapon was a weapon. A diamond weapon, no less.

Ulrich swung both his swords forwards at Tubbo, who jumped back to dodge the blades, clutching the shovel in one hand and twirling it after he landed. When Ulrich charged again, Tubbo didn't stay still this time. He ran right back, swinging his shovel as if it was an axe or sword. Using the wide head of the shovel to block piercing attacks from his opponent's blades.

Tubbo was showing that shovels were a good use of an offensive and defensive weapon as he kept up with Ulrich, having no problem in fending him off with a shovel. Ulrich was starting to look frustrated and apprehensive as the fight continued on, metal blades colliding with a hard gem made shovel. A constant clang, clang, clang ringing through the arena as Tubbo continued to parry and swing with his weapon.

Until finally- 

CLANG, WOOSH!

Ulrich finally managed to knock Tubbo's shovel out of his hands, a triumphant look crossing his face as Tubbo jumped back once again, but this time he jumped back multiple times to gain distance. However, he was meters away from his shovel, the head dug into the ground. But rather than panic, Tubbo looked entertained. Still grinning as he removed the fishing rod from his back, reminding everyone of its existence and the fact that Tubbo had chosen to bring it into battle.

Just what good was a fishing rod could do?

More than you think.

Techno watched with awe as Tubbo lashed out with the rod, the line whizzing out in the air and wrapping itself around the handle of Tubbo's shovel. And with a mighty swift tug, Tubbo's shovel was flying once again through the air and Tubbo caught it as soon as it was close.

Tubbo, once again, held his shovel in his hand, only this time he had his fishing rod in the other.

The crowd went wild from the unexpected play, and Techno couldn't help the laugh that bubbled and escaped from his throat. A thrilling sensation running down his spine at Tubbo's victorious grin and the playful look in his beautiful blue eyes. 

Ulrich was stunned by the action, and that was enough time for Tubbo to lash out with his fishing rod again. This time the line wrapped around Ulrich. The swordsman squawked, temporarily unable to move his arms before he was forced flying forward against his will by Tubbo's pull, and-

THWACK!

He met Tubbo's shovel face first. Breaking his nose and knocking him out effectively. 

Tubbo stood victorious above Ulrich's unconscious body. Laughing as the crowd screamed at his victory. 

"Holy crap! I-I mean, Ulrich KO'd! The winner is Fishing Rod Tubbo!" 

Tubbo gave the audience a bow, his shovel covered in blood and a few droplets stained his face. He noticed and wiped it, simply smearing the blood rather than getting it off his cheek. Techno's breath hitched as his heart skipped a beat and he knew, he just knew.

He wanted to fight Tubbo.

So, so, very, badly.

~~~

The tournament ends halfway into the afternoon with Tubbo and Tommy flying through the ranks as their matches ended. The finale would be tomorrow and only four people remained, including them. The other two was a swordswoman named Freya (Tubbo's opponent) and a man called Arrow Doxx (Tommy's opponent). Those two matches were the last one before the Bloody General would appear.

Rumors were the king would appear himself.

Two more matches and the tournament would end, with either Tubbo or Tommy fighting the Bloody General.

Freya and Arrow Doxx were the only two that stood in their way.

Chapter Text

"That was pretty impressive, Tubbo."

The brunette blinked and turned, seeing Pretty Man standing by him, causing him to let out a surprise yelp. It surprised him quite a bit, but he quickly recovered and scowled. Pretty Man only smiled, it looked more like a pout than a scowl.

"Oh, it's Tubbo's Pretty Man!" Tommy chimed, waving at the pink haired hybrid. He then grabbed Clay's hand, smiling, "Clay, this is Pretty Man! Pretty Man, this is my friend Clay!" He introduced.

All four of them stood outside of the coliseum in a rather private place. Tubbo and Tommy (with Clay, of course) had been previously swarmed by civilians and ex-participants, wanting to congratulate the two, get some fighting tips, just wanting to know more about them. It took awhile, but the three managed to escape and get to somewhere less crowded, just so they could be at peace.

"Of course Pretty Man found us, he has a thing for stalking." Tubbo huffed, crossing his arms.

Pretty Man rolled his eyes as the other two chuckled.

The hybrid offered his hand, "Hello."

"Hey." Clay shook his hand, "So, uh, what is your name, anyway?"

Tubbo face palmed, "Ugh, I should've asked earlier!" He complained, looking at the amused Pretty Man, "Yeah, what is your name? You know my name, so it's only fair for me to know yours!"

Pretty Man chuckled, "I was wondering when you were finally going to ask, though I am flattered with the nickname. I wouldn't mind being called it a little while longer." He replied, smirking at Tubbo's surprised face, that turned into a dark red, "If you win against Freya, I may tell you my name. I am looking forward to see your fight with her." He couldn't help but lean down, smiling at Tubbo, "Your weapons of choice today? Surprising. But your fight? Phenomenal. I never knew how versatile a fishing rod was and how effective a shove could be."

Tubbo, ignoring Tommy's snicker and Clay grinning with his best friend, "T-Thank you." He glared, "A-Are you really going to make me fight someone just for your name?"

The hybrid stood up, smiling, "Why not? It'd make things more interesting. I'd say it's payback for me not being able to find you for two days."

"That's your fault, not mine! Guess you're not a good stalker!" Tubbo retorted, but he did agree. 

He was going to fight and win, he and Tommy would do rock paper scissors, then one of them would fight the Bloody General. So, for now, Pretty Man would just be Pretty Man. Besides, the hybrid didn't seem to mind being called that, Tommy and Clay didn't seem to care, Tubbo didn't mind as long as he eventually found out his name.

They couldn't help but invite him to celebrate with them. The more the merrier, Pretty Man was lucky Tubbo was in a good mood. Then again, he didn't really mind. Besides, if Tommy could bring Clay, he would bring Pretty Man. At least, Pretty Man didn't question about his potions anymore. He and Tubbo actually had a pleasant talk about his fishing rod skills, his combat skills in general.

Pretty Man was a fighter, like Tubbo thought. He was skilled, very skilled from the way he talked, analyzing his and Tommy's actions throughout their rounds along with their weaponry. He even handed him advice on some moves! Pretty Man had brains and brawn!

"Why didn't you sign up for the tournament?" Tubbo questioned.

"You'll see me in action in the future, I'm sure." Pretty Man replied secretively, "In any case, it wouldn't be fair for me to be in the tournament, I'd be everyone easily and call it a day."

Bold words but Tubbo didn't refute them, suspecting that the confidence in his words were genuine. Tubbo had seen just how fast and efficient he was against three people, even if they were drunkards.

Anyways, celebrating with Pretty Man was surprisingly pleasant. It was a bit disappointing (for Tubbo) when Pretty Man had to leave halfway through their celebration, saying he had some work to do. But, he did promised to watch them tomorrow. Tubbo tried not to be disappointed as he left, but he had to face the truth (unfortunately).

He found Pretty Man very attractive and had gotten just a bit, ONLY A LITTLE BIT, attached. He totally didn't want to spend more time with him because he was only attracted a little bit!

He totally didn't want the chance to kiss him.

Definitely not.

~~~

It's the second to last day of the festival and the last day of the tournament. 

The excitement for today skyrocketed, Tubbo and Tommy had gained the crowd's attention and adoration, especially Tubbo with his unusual weapons and fighting methods. Techno knew, because of Tubbo, the usage of fishing rods in a fight were going to spike. He himself wanted to try using a fishing rod. 

Techno looked at Tubbo in a new light, a dark haired young man with intuitive and creative with tactics. And the way he handled the fishing rod was frankly amazing because that took some skill-

Okay Phil, you can stop laughing, you can only use a fishing rod as it's intended, so Techno doesn't want to hear it-

Anyways, Techno respected Tubbo for his skills and strength, his looks only adding to that. He wasn't someone who found attraction in a pretty face, he looked for strength and Tubbo had it. He wasn't oblivious to his interest, after all, he had been calling Tubbo his Lava Bee. It was an attraction based on skill and looks. It was an attraction based on the fact Techno wanted to fight Tubbo, fighting him head on. He wanted to see Tubbo in action for himself, fight him, look only at him while they fought with that delightful grin on his face-

"Trident Tubbo wins the match by knock-out! He is in the finale!"

The screams from the coliseum almost made him fall out of his chair, covering his ears because of his enhanced hearing. However, he could barely hear them over his heartbeat that thumped in his chest, Tubbo grinning triumphantly. He raised his trident victoriously, fire in his eyes and Techno was the moth wanting to attach himself to the light, even if coming too close would burn him.

Tubbo had defeated Freya, wielding a trident and fishing rod. Not many people could master tridents, let alone use a trident. However, it was clear Tubbo was one of the best. He threw the trident with accuracy, he reeled the trident back in with the use of his fishing rod and swung it, almost like it was an extra limb.

Tubbo was a man of many talents and Techno wanted to see all of them.

He wanted to face it all.

Unable to stay in his seat, his heartbeat in his ears with an urge he could no longer repress, he stood up as Tommy's round was announced.

He had a Lava Bee to meet.

~~~

Tubbo hummed a bit as he headed over towards the waiting room, having to go to the bathroom for a few minutes. The officials had herded him and Tommy into separate waiting rooms as soon as he and Tommy arrived for the semifinals. He entered the room and was startled to see someone else already in it.

"P-Pretty Man?!" Tubbo gasped.

The hybrid stood in the middle of his room, a smirk on his face and a look in his eye that made Tubbo shiver. The brunette closed the door behind him, giving him a confused and slightly wary look.

"What are you doing in here?" He asked as he walked over before remembering their deal, smiling, "Oh, right! I beat Freya, so it's time for you to tell me your name!" Tubbo put his hands on his hips victoriously, smiling victoriously.

"I say may tell you my name, Lava Bee. I never said it was a guarantee." Pretty Man playfully poked his nose, "But I will admit, that fight was incredible. You're very skilled with a trident and again with the fishing rod? You're just full of surprises, aren't you?" He leaned forward as he grinned in Tubbo's face.

Tubbo felt his face heat up as he spluttered, "W-Wha- L-Lava Bee- I-I- OI!" He gently pushed the other back, "T-That's not fair! You know my name, I beat Freya, why can't I know yours!"

Pretty Man grabbed his hands and held them to his chest, Tubbo, on instinct, stepping back. But Pretty Man stepped forward with him.

Tubbo hesitated before he gulped, trying to glare, but he was so flustered, it wasn't a bit intimidating, "I've said it before and I'll say it again, you are infuriating. What do you even want from me? I-Is it the potions or-"

The hybrid hummed, taking another step forward as Tubbo stepped back. Then another, and another, "That's an interesting question. I want a lot of things, but from you? That's an easy question to answer."

Tubbo was backed into the wall right by the door. On instinct, seeing as he was trapped, he got the trident off his back and aimed it warningly at Pretty Man, who merely chuckled again. He had a predatory look in his eyes, Tubbo feeling weak.

"You see, Tubbo, I'm a man who appreciates strength, who respects power, and I'm interested in challenges and mysteries." Pretty Man gently nudged the trident away from him, leaning in as Tubbo stared at him with a startled and flushed face. The hybrid cupped Tubbo's face, the brunette gasping, "And you, my pretty." He brushed Tubbo's bangs from his eyes, "Pretty, little Lava Bee... You are all of those and more..."

Close. Tubbo thought, He's so close. So close, closer-

Tubbo lost his train of thought as soft lips touched his.

A kiss.

Pretty Man was kissing him, he was kissing Tubbo.

And Tubbo kissed back.

He let go of the trident and it clattered to the ground as he moved to hold onto Pretty Man. His fishing rod dug into his back uncomfortably, but he didn't care. After all, a handsome man who he has been complaining and lowkey gushing about the past few days was kissing him. He could push away, but he could also very well lean into the kiss eagerly.

The air around them turned heated as Tubbo opened his mouth and Pretty Man instantly took the invitation. Tubbo's right hand held Pretty Man's face as his left hand made its way to the other's soft hair, the atmosphere continuing to change. Tubbo jumped up, wrapping his legs around the other's waist, both moaning slightly, Pretty Man holding his waist with one hand and still cupping his face in the other. Tubbo lightly tugged on Pretty Man's hair, not enough to hurt. Maybe sting, but it was a playful tug and, based off the approving growl Pretty Man made, the hybrid liked it.

Pretty Man hesitantly moved one hand under Tubbo's shirt, the brunette gasping, but not attempting to stop the other.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, making them pull away from the heated kiss, "TUBBO! HEY, BIG MAN, YOU IN THERE?

Tommy.

The doorknob turned-

"TOMMY WAIT!"

The blonde's head popped into the room, blinking and peering into it to find his best friend. In doing so, he saw Tubbo pinned against the wall, Pretty Man holding onto his waist, their lips red and swollen, a bit of spit connecting their bottom lips.

Tommy tried his best not to snort, but he couldn't contain it, "O-Oh! I'm so sorry, let me leave you two alone!" He laughed with a shit-eating grin, "Don't do too much! You don't have time, but maybe you have enough time for a quickie! I just won my match and we got a few minutes of break before we habe to 'fight,' big man!"

"TOMMY, YOU ASSHOLE!" Tubbo shouted as Tommy cackled, closing the door before Tubbo could throw something.

Pretty Man let Tubbo down, who covered his completely red face, "I'm gonna kill him. Fuck the rock paper scissors plan, I am going to murder him in front of everyone." Tubbo mumbled.

Pretty Man coughed into his fist, his face also a bright red, "W-Well, that would be against the no killing rules, Tubbo."

They both shared an awkward laugh.

"Honestly, I, uh, wasn't even expecting or planning to do that." Pretty Man admitted, Tubbo looking at him curiously, "I, uh, just wanted to congratulate you personally. However, you were amazing back when you were fighting and seeing you wield the trident, or any weapon... it's really hot. I find it very attractive, Tubbo. R-Remember what I said before I kissed you? I meant ever word."

Tubbo's face burned more and he let out a cute giggle, "O-Oh... W-Well, I find your looks very attractive, especially back in the alley when you took down those drunkards. Y-You looked strong and even if you're infuriating and persistent, it's charming." And fuck, you're a good kisser.

The other man laughed quietly, "Thank you. You know, I wouldn't mind continuing the kiss." Tubbo perked at that, "After the tournament, of course. You heard your friend, not enough time. I also have some things to do soon." Tubbo pouted in disappointment, which made Pretty Man laugh a bit. "You're adorable."

Pretty Man leaned in again, Tubbo's breath hitching. Their noses brushed against each other as the other hesitated. He debated on kissing Tubbo again, not sure if he sure. Tubbo kissed him gently, a quick but gentle kiss.

"I really hope you win the tournament. I have a surprise for you afterwards. It wouldn't matter if you didn't either way, though." Pretty Man smiled, the two sharing one more gentle kiss. Tubbo's heart pounded in his chest as Pretty man smirked at him, "Good luck, Lava Bee. I'll see you later!"

Pretty Man walked over to the door, winking at him as he left. Tubbo sucked in a deep breath as Tommy walked in, still wearing his shit-eating grin.

"Hey Tubs! So, how was he~? Gotta be good if your just standing there with a stupid look on your face!" Tommy teased, dodging with a cackle as Tubbo threw something at him. Tommy's snickering died down as Tubbo huffed and picked up his trident, "But in all seriousness, you good?"

"I'm fine, thank you very much." Tubbo crossed his arms over his chest, sticking his tongue out as he glared, "And, he was good! He called me his Lava Bee!"

"Awwww, is dat adowable~!" Tommy teased, dodging another thrown item.

They messed around a bit before Tommy had to leave to his waiting room, the break almost everyone. They had to get ready for their "fight," after all.

Tubbo couldn't help the feeling of apprehension in him as he remembered what Pretty Man had said. I really hope you win the tournament. I have a surprise for you afterwards. It wouldn't matter if you didn't either way, though.

What did he mean by that? The anticipation might kill him before his stunt with Tommy. He took a deep breath as the officials knocked on his door, mentioning how it was time.

Here we go.

Chapter Text

"HERE IT IS, FOLKS! THE FINALE OF THE TOURNAMENT!" The announcer exclaimed, screams and cheers filling the stands, "Swordsman Tommy versus Trident Tubbo! They've both been amazing warriors these past few rounds and here they are, in the FINALE!"

Tommy couldn't help the giddy laugh that escaped him as he and Tubbo stood across from one another, Tubbo letting out a giggle as well. Anticipation laced in their veins, their mischievous sides couldn't wait!

"BEGIN!"

Instantly, he and Tubbo ran at each other, large grins on their faces, the crowd around them went wild just from that.

"ROCK!" They shouted together, skidding to a halt in front of each other, their hands out, "Paper, scissors, SHOOT!"

.....

"FUCK!" Tommy screamed, his scissors losing to Tubbo's rock.

"YES! I WON!" Tubbo laughed victoriously, cackling as the blonde sulked. 

Tommy groaned, crossing his arms over his chest, "Ug, fine. I forfeit!"

Their was an awkward silence for a moment. Then, their were screams as the coliseum was filled with mixed reactions. People were shouting, booing, exclaiming their confusion, yelling for a real fight, etc.

The announcer, who was a bat hybrid, flew down from his perch, "EXCUSE ME?! What was that?!" He was just as baffled and confused as everyone else.

Tommy faced the announcer, "I said I forfeit. Tubs beat me fair and square."

"B-But what about the fight?! You can't be serious-"

"We're completely serious. We're best friends and this is how we do things! It would have been a fifty fifty chance for us to lose or win." Tubbo interrupted before holding his trident toward the announcer, "Besides, don't you guys want to skip to the real fight?! Me against the Bloody General!"

At the declaration, the coliseum went silent once more before, once again, exploding with loud shocked reactions or cheers for the fight.

"Y-You actually want to fight THE Bloody General?!"

"Yeah, why not? Sounds fun!" Tubbo shrugged, "Where is he, by the way? I haven't seen or heard of him from the very start? Is he even here?!"

The announcer went to say something before the crystal by their ear began to glow slightly. He cupped it and listened to something, gasping but quickly recovering. He cleared his throat, "A-Ahem! Okay, everyone, it's official! Swordsman Tommy loses by forfeit to Trident Tubbo! Trident Tubbo wins the tournament and has challenged the Bloody General himself! Sir Tommy, please leave the arena, the General is coming and has accepted Trident Tubbo's challenge!"

More noise from the coliseum, but it didn't matter. Tommy and Tubbo high fived and gave each other a side hug.

"Good luck, big man! Kick some ass out here!" Tommy exclaimed as he let go.

"Definitely! Say hi to Clay for me!" Tubbo smiled as he left.

Tommy used the elevating platform to leave the arena, the bat hybrid flying back to his perch. Suddenly, trumpets started to play as the announcer, well, announced the appearance of Tubbo's final opponent.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between! Our last and most special event has come! The tournament is almost completely over, our winner, Trident Tubbo, has challenged the Bloody General of the Antarctic Empire! The right hand man to none other than the king himself! My dear audience, GO WILD!" Screaming cheers came from the audience as a man stood on the lowering platform, Tubbo's eyes going wide, "THE BLADE AND BROTHER TO OUR DEAREST KING PHILZA HIMSELF!"

Tommy choked on thin air as the sentence punched him and Tubbo right in the gut. He stumbled into Clay, who asked if he was alright, but he couldn't hear or focus on him as the announcer continued.

"THE BLOODY GENERAL, TECHNOBLADE!"

TECHNO?!

The human looking hybrid, wearing a pig skull on his face, with his long pink hair tied up in a braid and the fur-trimmed cape was Technoblade?! And Philza, Tommy's father, was the king of the Antarctic Empire?!

"Oh fuck..." Tommy whispered, grabbing the railing as Clay tried to help him, confused and worried about the younger blonde, who stared at his best friend, shaking, as he was about to face Technoblade.

"Trident Tubbo versus Bloody General Technoblade! BEGIN!"

"Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck!" Tommy cursed as he watched his best friend change directions, his pale shocked face turning into a large grin, "TUBS, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! GET AWAY FROM HIM!!!" He shrieked as Tubbo goes straight for Technoblade.

Tubbo was facing off against this world's version of Technoblade, someone who had taken two of Tubbo's permanent lives in their world.

"TUBBO, WATCH OUT!" Tubbo, a young teenager at the time, was confused, turning around clueless before the fear struck him, the firework coming closer. Wilbur and Techno scrambled to get him in time as the boy froze, Tommy screaming, "TUBBO!"

It was an accident, but Techno couldn't forgive himself for awhile, even if Tommy and Tubbo could. He had killed Tubbo, who was only thirteen at the time. He didn't play or mess around with a firework launcher for awhile after that.

The second time...

Techno roared as instincts took over, Philza and Dream trying to restrain him. Tubbo was already badly injured when Tommy was holding him, trying to heal him. Phil and Dream were thrown back and Tubbo pushed Tommy away as he stood up, the same age as he was now as Techno glared down at him, large tusks, his eyes glowing red.

Tubbo smiled kindly, not afraid at someone Tommy considered a brother. He even lifted the sword Techno held in his hand to his stomach, "Do what you need to do, Tech..."

Tubbo smiled as he went limp in Techno's arm, the hybrid coming to his senses and screaming for him.

That was when they left. Tommy was mad, but Tubbo forgave him, saying it was instincts. They had left because it became stressful and they needed a break.

Now they were here, Tommy watching from the sides as Tubbo fought against an alternate version of Tommy's brother.

"Tommy, what's wrong?!" Clay grabbed him by his shoulders, the blonde yelping when he heard Tubbo and Techno's weapons clash, "Tommy!" The young man looked into Clay's eyes, "Tommy, what is wrong?! What is going on?! You're so pale!"

Tommy bit his lip and glanced at the fight, Tubbo still grinning as he was face-to-face with Techno, "I-I just- I-I'm fine, I-I'll be okay... I-I just... I wasn't expecting Tubbo to g-go charging at fucking Technoblade!" He exclaimed, "I-It scared me!"

Clay nodded, "Yeah... Yeah, I get that, that's understandable." Tommy was still worried, though, "Do you think Tubbo's going to loose?"

"I-"

Calm down. Tommy told himself, You need to calm down. He will be fine. This is a different world, this Technoblade was different, at least physically. Tubbo was doing well and holding out against him, Tubbo-

"T-Tubbo's good, real good. He's great with his trident and damn good with a fishing rod. M-Maybe he could do this. He should be able to go up against Technoblade. H-He fought someone similar to him before, multiple times."

Right, Tubbo had fought against their Technoblade before during spars.

Tubbo had a chance in winning.

Just like Technoblade, this one at lease, had a chance in loosing this.

Tommy watched Tubbo and, seeing his friend looking so determined to win, his worry disappeared, "He better win!" Tommy exclaims.

Clay smiled, happy Tommy was no longer worried. The two continued watching the fight, cheering on the brunette. Tommy had no idea how this would end, none of them did, but he would rather ride the high of the cheer crowd than stay worried.

"COME ON TUBBO! KICK HIS ASS, YOU CAN DO IT!" Tommy shrieked at the top of his lungs.

Clay gives Tommy one last look, smiling at his face, happy Tommy was back to his normal self. He joined in, cheering with Tommy.

"COME ON, TUBBO!" Clay yelled, "TOMMY'S RIGHT, YOU GO THIS!"

The two laughed as they moved closer to one another, occasionally glancing at the other as they continued to cheer for the brunette.

Chapter Text

"THE BLADE AND BROTHER TO OUR DEAREST KING PHILZA HIMSELF!"

No way, it couldn't be.

"THE BLOODY GENERAL, TECHNOBLADE!"

Oh but it was. Tubbo began to shake as he stared at the other.

"Trident Tubbo versus Bloody General Technoblade! BEGIN!"

A lot of things were going through Tubbo's head as soon as he heard those words, ranging from the fact this man, with his long pink braided hair wearing a pig mask was Technoblade, Tommy's brother in their world and that he, Tubbo, was going to fight him. 

Their Techno was a lot more pig-like, having the face of the piglin, the humongous height, the weight, so seeing this tall man and believing this was Techno? It was jarring. Especially since he had the same fur trimmed cape and the small crown on his head, just like the Techno back home had.

Speaking of which, said man smirked at him and it sent shivers down Tubbo's spine, but he's seen that smirk before. He's fought that smirk before, trying to prove his strength.

This was Technoblade, and they were going to fight.

Tubbo doesn't hesitate, doesn't waste a second before he runs. He runs to the side, away from Techno, who held a diamond sword and a bow. The arrows should be normal, not even Technoblade would be exempt from the rules of the tournament even if he was the damned Bloody General. Next time, they were going to ask who the fuck they were fighting. 

Tubbo felt like he was at a disadvantage here, he has never beat Technoblade before. Technoblade has killed him two times, both times had been accidental, out of Technoblade's control and he's long forgiven him for it. Even if he had left with Tommy, unable to look at him in the eye.

But maybe, just maybe, he could beat this Technoblade. Tubbo hopes as Technoblade gets his bow out, an arrow aimed at him.

It fires, it misses.

Digging into the ground where Tubbo had been as he dodged the arrow. 

The thought of beating Technoblade, even if he was another different version, made Tubbo feel a thrill throughout his body. Adrenaline and anticipation coursing through his veins and a grin on his face. Any fear he had before, any hesitance and doubt? It started to drain away as he thinks that this Technoblade isn't the same Technoblade he's faced off before. This Technoblade has never fought him before, he may have watched Tubbo but he doesn't know him like his Technoblade did. 

He did say he was going to fight the Bloody General...

Fuck it.

Tubbo changes direction, narrowly missing more arrows as he heads straight for Technoblade. The roar of the audience in his ears and a new, determined glint in his eyes.

~~~

Techno hasn't felt this alive in a long while.

Just as expected, Tubbo was living up to his expectations, having a look that he loved in his beautiful blue eyes. It was a type of fire that heats Techno up like no other and seeing how determined Tubbo was made him feel alive.

I'm going to beat you to the ground.

That's what Tubbo was saying, that's what his eyes said.

Tubbo swung his trident, which he blocks and they're fighting for dominance, Tubbo matched his strength, and it's thrilling.

I am going to fight you and I will win.

Tubbo was going to have to work, going to have to prove his strength, if he wanted to beat him.

Tubbo's determination and prowess is utterly enticing right now and Techno's grin grows a bit wider when he wins the subtle match, sending Tubbo skidding away but does his Lava Bee tumble and fall?

No, he powers through it.

He skids back on his boots, the tip of his trident grazing the ground as he does so but he's on his feet and standing defiantly against him and Techno can hear his heartbeat in his ears, drowning out the cheering of the coliseum until it was just him and Tubbo in his mind.

No one else was there right now.

It was just him and Tubbo.

Tubbo aims his trident at Techno, his form perfect as he threw the trident at him and he turns in place to dodge it- 

Riiip!

Only for his cape to suffer the consequences. 

The bottom part of his fur-trimmed cape is torn, some fabric had been caught by the trident which was noticeably very sharp. The trident sticks to the ground with pieces of his fabric and Technoblade can only laugh at his new wardrobe malfunction. 

He's not even angry his favorite fur-trimmed cape had been torn. He's having too much fun to care.

His laughter and focus on his cape costs him his focus, as suddenly Tubbo is right in front of him, aiming the heel of his palm at Techno's chin but Techno reacts quickly. He leans back to dodge but loses the grip on his sword as Tubbo's other hand jabs at his hands hard enough for his grip to slack. Tubbo forces the sword away and it clatters to the ground. Tubbo wheezes as Techno's knee soon collides with his gut, but, at the same time, Tubbo's arm, that had been aiming for his chin, bends, his elbow smacking Techno's cheek hard.

It's a physical fight then.

Tubbo slips to the side to dodge Techno's arm thrust, grabbing Techno's arm in a tight grip and lifting, his crown falls off his head from gravity and Techno's thrilled to find himself briefly in the air as Tubbo tries to flip him on his back. Instead he lands on his feet thanks to his reflexes and lifts Tubbo in the air.

Tubbo lets go mid-way and rolls on the floor to his feet, a hand on his stomach, no doubt sore from Techno's knee. He wasn't exactly holding back but at the same time he hadn't given it his all. Most people would be on the floor by now.

Tubbo? He's still standing and looking at him.

Tubbo's looking at him with wary eyes, as he should, but the thrill is still there. The look is still there and Tubbo's grinning a pretty, confident grin.

This time it's Techno that moves in, sticking to their fight without weapons for the moment, his torn cape flaps behind him as he quickly moves in for a punch aimed at Tubbo's shoulder. His fist clips Tubbo's shoulder instead as tried to lean away in time to avoid it, Tubbo winces but doesn't miss his chance to give Techno a punch back. It collides with his side and Techno grunts.

He takes it, it's strong. As strong as a good hybrid which is impressive for a human like Tubbo. 

Tubbo's not done yet as he reaches out and grabs his ripped cape, slipping behind Techno and pulling on his cape, abruptly choking Techno whose eyes widened at the action. 

Tubbo could play dirty. 

Techno definitely approved.

Unfortunately for Tubbo, Techno reached up and unclapsed the cape, causing Tubbo to yelp and stumble backwards as he now had Techno's torn cape in his hand but no Techno choking on it. 

Techno rubbed his sore throat, chuckling to himself as he turned towards Tubbo, who looked at him and then his cape before throwing the cape away.

Tactical and kind of a dirty move Tubbo, his Lava Bee was creative. Not many people dared to try and choke Techno with his own cape before.

He notices then that right behind Tubbo is Tubbo's trident. And so does his Lava Bee. 

Techno's sword was still on the ground just meters away, so he takes out his bow instead, quickly firing off arrows just as Tubbo picks up his trident and quickly twirls it to deflect most of the arrows sent his way. One arrow managed to get past his defensive spinning, cutting his cheek and Tubbo doesn't even flinch. Red is a good look on Tubbo! Techno thought to himself.

Tubbo starts sprinting at him, still spinning his trident. Techno stops firing when he's near and jumps to the side, evading the trident which buries itself on the ground with one determined Tubbo attached to it.

His Lava Bee is wondrously stubborn, skilled and strong. 

Techno sprints towards his sword, it's not that far and-

Fwip! Crash!

It's a close call, but Techno managed to avoid the thrown trident. But not without one of the prongs slicing a cut on his arm, starting to stain his white sleeves and there's faints gasps all around. He doesn't hear them, too focused on what was happening right now. 

He's hurt.

He's bleeding.

Tubbo's pleased smile.

His heart skips a beat and he wants to pin Tubbo down so badly.

He almost doesn't want this to end but at the same time he can't wait till their fight is done. He doesn't care about winning or losing, he certainly won't let Tubbo win that easily. But damn, was he having a good time right now.

However he wants to hold Tubbo, he wants to see Tubbo's reaction to the fact his Pretty Man was Technoblade, he seemed pretty shocked to see him earlier. A bit pale, but it's understandable. He was Technoblade, a rumored bloodthirsty ruthless general. Not exactly inaccurate.

He wants Tubbo know him. 

To remember their fight, their kiss. Wants to think back on both times and think of him.

Pretty Man. Technoblade.

Tubbo gains his attention by finally taking out his fishing rod and Techno eagerly takes in the motion as to how Tubbo works the damn thing. He watches up close this time and not on the damned stands as Tubbo flicks the rod, lets the line fly and wrap itself around his trident and easily tugs it free from the ground. It happens so fast that even if Techno wanted to sever the line, it would've been too late. 

So Tubbo gets his trident back, but he doesn't put away his fishing rod. 

The line is cast again, the impossibly fluid line that flies in the air towards him. Techno grabs the thin line before it can wrap around him. He's found that Tubbo's favorite move with the fishing line is to wrap it around his opponent and pull, forcing them forward. 

This time, however, Tubbo is the one forced forward.

Tubbo seemed to expect it, letting go of the fishing rod to hold on to his trident tightly as he and Techno clash weapons once more.

Thrust, swing, parry, block, dodge, dodge, swing, thrust, an almost rhythmic sequence. 

A dangerous dance between them that Techno personally found breathtaking and by the intense look in Tubbo's eyes, he can only hope Tubbo thinks the same.

Techno's hair tie snaps mid-fight while Tubbo's helmet was knocked off. Techno breaks off Tubbo's iron chest plate and leaves a red line on his arm, Tubbo scratches one of Techno's shoulders, leaving three shorter red line in return. Tubbo nails a fist to Techno's face, Techno jams the butt of his sword into Tubbo's chest. They both end up with injuries and bruises, entranced by each other and continuing to fight right.

Until Tubbo tumbles to the ground, almost dropping his trident and Techno huffs and pants, grinning, expecting his opponent to charge back.

But Tubbo suddenly has his fishing rod again. He'd tumbled right next to it and-

The line wraps around Techno's foot, sending him crashing to the floor, knocks the breath right out of him. It's enough for Tubbo to leap on to him, pinning him to the ground with his legs, knocking his sword away with the butt of his trident before aiming the middle prong against Techno's neck. 

"Give. Up." Tubbo growls above him, the sun shining down on him.

He looks gorgeous like this, above me. Techno started at him, Dried blood on his cheek, a split lip, bruised face, but those eyes. He hesitantly cupped Tubbo's cheek, staring into the blue eyes. Tubbo didn't falter, his stance didn't weaken in case Techno tried something.

The fire, the passion. He'd probably knock me out if I don't forfeit... No, that wouldn't do.

Techno wiped a bit of the dried blood off Tubbo's cheek before laying his hand down, smiling with delight at Tubbo, "You win. I forfeit."

Tubbo was silent for a moment, staring at him in shock.

"You win, Trident Tubbo. You win."

Tubbo blinked before he smiled, thrusting his trident into the air, "I win! I WIN!" He screamed in victory, Techno unable to hold back the laugh at his adorable Lava Bee.

"H-He won?! HE WON! LADIES, GENTMEN, EVERYONE IN BETWEEN, TRIDENT TUBBO HAS WON HIS CHALLENGE AGAINST TECHNOBLADE! I REPEAT, TRIDENT TUBBO HAS WON AGAINST NONE OTHER THAN THE BLOODY GENERAL, TECHNOBLADE!" The announcer exclaimed, screams and cheers coming from the crowd.

"As much as I love looking up at you, my pretty Lava Bee, do you mind getting off of me?" Techno said casually, chuckling as Tubbo flushed darkly, quickly scrambling to get off and apologize. Tubbo helped him up before freezing upon registering the nickname, "What's wrong, pretty Bee? You won fair and square, where's that adorable smile you always have on?"

Tubbo blushed darker as he huffed, catching on, "Y-You're infuriating."

"So I've been told." Techno teased before taking the brunette's hand, raising it into the air.

The cheering roared louder, Tubbo staring at him in complete and utter shock.

"Y-You... You're Pretty Man..." He whispered quietly, still trying to process it all, especially since he, oh, I don't know, kissed Technoblade, who was Tommy's brother.

Techno snorted, feeling a bit smug despite his loss, "I did say I have a surprise for you regardless if you won or not, didn't I?" He whispered back, Tubbo blushing more, "Surprise."

"I-Infuriating..."

"I-I- OH MY GOD, THE KING! THE KING IS COMING! LADIES, GENTLEMEN, EVERYONE IN BETWEEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR BELOVED KING OF THE ANTARCTIC EMPIRE! NONE OTHER THAN THE BELOVED PHILZA CRAFTSON!"

From above, Phil comes with his wings spread out, looking like an angel. Then again, on the battlefield, he had earned the nickname Angel of Death. Right now, however, he landed on the floor beside Techno as the king of the Antarctic Empire.

"When I said to have fun with the tournament, I'll admit I wasn't expecting this. Been awhile since I've seen you like this, mate. Bloodied, bruised, by someone using a trident and fishing rod, no less." Phil tells Techno, looking at Tubbo, who was by the hybrid's side. Tubbo was in shock and went to kneel, but Phil stopped him, "Ah, no need. That was brilliant work... Tubbo, was it? I can see why my general is so interested in you." He praised, smiling brightly at the stunned Tubbo.

"Uuuuh-" Tubbo coughed, trying to get somewhat composed, "T-Thank you, y-your majesty."

Techno shrugged as he put his and Tubbo's hands down, but not letting go, "What can I say, Phil. I'm just as surprised as you."

You're pleased grin says otherwise. Phil thought, chuckling before he faced Tubbo once more, Techno doing the same. Tubbo squeaked at the sudden attention, his whole face a bright red.

"Well, Trident Tubbo, you fought my General and won. You gained my attention and interest. You legitimately won the tournament. Is there something you want that I could provide? I could take you in my army, if you'd like, provide you a rank that would suit you quite well." Techno looked at Phil, who simply returns it with an innocent look, "Well?"

~~~

Throughout all of this, there was a continuous train of thought going through Tubbo's head, a babbling that was getting out of hand that made it hard to do anything but let out small noises.

I just fought Technoblade I just fought Techno and WON he's an alternate version of Techno but I still WON HOLY CRAP oh fuck this is Tommy's alternate brother OH MY FUCK I KISSED TOMMY'S ALTERNATE BROTHER FUCK FUCK TECHNOBLADE PINNED ME TO THE WALL AND KISSED ME THEN WE FOUGHT AND I PINNED AND BEAT HIM HOLY MOTHER OF FUCK WHAT DO I DO OH GOD TECHNO IS PRETTY MAN HE'S UNFAIRLY PRETTY IT'S NOT FAIR OH SHIT IS THAT PHIL PHILZA WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHY ARE YOU KING WHY DID TECHNO KISS ME OH HE KISSED THE FUCK OUT OF ME SHIT HE'S A REALLY GOOD KISSER STOP THINKING ABOUT THE KISS I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT THE KISS FUCK FUCK FUCK WHAT DO I DO-

"Um..." Tubbo says aloud, blinking as his thoughts literally just disappeared and all he heard was silence, "Can I... Can I get a rain check on that?"

Chapter Text

A rain check.

Phil offers this man a rank in his army, offers him almost anything he wants, and Tubbo wants to get a rain check.

Phil has been rain check'd by a young man who was just a couple years younger than his best friend, practically his brother. Yet, he had been rain check'd and both were stunned.

He, Philza Craftson, king of the Antarctic Empire, had been rain check'd by the man of Techno's interest.

Techno was right, he had found a very interesting man.

"A rain check, you say?" Phil said, amused, "You haven't thought of anything you want, hm?"

Techno did say Tubbo had joined for fun, not for any glory or prize. Unless you counted the glory that came from the fight with Techno and, boy, was that a fight. It's been awhile since he's seen Techno so thrilled during a fight against someone else. His old friend was so interested in the man before him and for good reason, mysterious potent and unique potions. Proficiency in fighting and creative weapons.

Tubbo smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head, "U-Uh, no? I-I mean, I really wasn't expecting this. All I wanted was to fight the Bloody General who is this infuriating man right here." He motioned to Techno with a huff, the hybrid only smiling innocently in response, "So, yeah, no. I really don't have anything in mind that, um, I could ask of you." He then scratched his cheek and winced.

It was then that Techno and Tubbo remembered they were hurt.

"I'll grant you time to think, Tubbo. However, you won the tournament and you deserve a prize. First, let's get you and Techno healed and then we can discuss what you want." Philza said with a kind smile.

He glanced down and noticed Techno and Tubbo's hands were still intertwined. Tubbo followed his gaze and retracted his hand, Techno blinking and pouting playfully. Tubbo huffed and glared at him, Techno only smiling in response.

Phil dearly hoped Tubbo would join his army, or at least join his kingdom. He just wanted to see how his friend interacted with him.

In any case, the tournament was over and he would close it.

~~~

Tommy burst into the room with Clay right behind him just as Tubbo was kicking out the healer who was assigned to help with his injuries.

"Are you-"

"Yes, I'm sure I can handle my injuries, please just leave!" He pushed the poor woman out the door once Tommy and Clay were inside, "Tell P- er, King Philza thanks but no thanks! I can heal myself quite well!" He slammed the door, locking it and ignoring the frantic knocking, looking at Tommy and a confused Clay, "We. Are. Leaving."

"Oh, you thing?!" Tommy scoffed, throwing a golden apple at Tubbo, who caught it with ease, "Still, Tubs that was so cool! You beat The Blade! You fucking beat Technoblade you beat- holy shit, that was so cool!"

He wanted to continued gushing to his best friend on how he had beaten the alternate version of his brother, but Clay was there. He was clueless, not-from-their-world Clay, but who was also impressed by his actions.

Tubbo bit into the golden apple, sighing contently as the injuries began to heal, "I know!" He practically hissed.

Tommy tilted his head at the tone. He would have thought Tubbo would be full of pride, happy, ecstatic at beating the Technoblade, even if it was an alternate version.

Noticing the silence, Tubbo quickly finished the golden apple, "Tommy, it's bad, I- FUCK, TOMMY! He called me his Lava Bee!"

Tommy was silent, eyes wide.

"He called you what?" Clay questioned, confused as Tommy's face paled, "Uh... you guys okay? What's going on?"

"Oh. My. God." Tommy muttered.

"I know." Tubbo replied solemnly. 

"You and he-" 

"I know."

"You both-"

"I know."

"Tubs, he and you-"

Tubbo grabbed Tommy's shoulders, "I KNOW, TOMMY! I KNOW, OKAY?! PLEASE STOP!" He let go, his face red while he began pacing, Tommy just stunned.

Clay hesitantly laid a hand on Tommy's shoulder, "Dumb question, but are you okay? What's wrong? What's going on with, uh, this? What's with all this?" He questioned.

"Uuuuh, Clay, remember Tubbo's Pretty Man?" Tommy smiled awkwardly at Clay, who nodded, "Well, Pretty Man nicknamed Tubbo Lava Bee and I had accidentally walked in on him and Tubbo making out and maybe doing something more, his hand was up Tubbo's shirt-" He stopped, he and Clay dodging a chair Tubbo threw towards them, "Right, sorry, uh, yeah! So Pretty Man, uh, called Tubbo Lava Bee and apparently Technoblade just did..."

Clay widened his eyes at the realization, "Oh... Oh damn. So your Pretty Man is Technoblade, the Bloody General. The Blood King, as some call him. The king's right hand man. You called him, Pretty Man, right to his face, and... you kissed him. Holy shit."

"I know." Tommy nodded, not telling him the biggest part that Tubbo kissed the alternate version of his brother, aka Technoblade.

"Yeah, I know! I don't know how to fucking handle this! And don't get me started on how King Philza just asked if I want to join his arm and offered a prize! I have no clue on what we can do!" Tubbo exclaimed, "Besides run!"

Tommy nodded in agreement, snapping out of his thoughts about his best friend kissing the alternate version of his uncle, "Yep, yeah, yep! Run, running sounds good! We are not getting caught in royalty stuff! We won the tournament, it was fun, the festival was great, it's time to go!"

Running was easy, it was probably unfair. But it was easy! They weren't really ready to confront any type of Technoblade and Philza just yet. And Tommy might honestly slip and call Phil 'dad,' which would be weird the hell out of Philza because, technically, they never met and they didn't know each other. Hell, did they even exist in this world? Were they born? How old were they? Did Phil adopt the alternate Tommy?

He didn't want to know.

Right now, their main goal was to run away.

"Wait, wait, wait! You have the opportunity to ask the king of the Antarctic Empire for a prize and you want to run?! Tubbo, you beat Technoblade! I mean, yeah, you kissed him to, but you beat him!" Clay exclaimed, unable to understand the severity.

He was upset because, if they ran, would he ever see Tommy again? Dream wanted to continue hanging out with him! He wanted to get to know him more and he didn't even know if he would see Tommy again if he just left!

Tommy looked at him apologetically, "Yeah, that's the plan! I-I know it may not make sense Clay, but we just- we need to, okay? I'm really sorry-"

"Tommy, can I have some more gapples? Tubbo asked, Tommy tossing a few at him. Tubbo ruffled through his bag, taking out a piece of paper and pen, scribbling something on it before placing it with the apples on the table, "Thanks!"

"What're you doing?" Tommy asked.

"Leaving a not and a few apples for Technoblade." Tubbo explained, "I got him pretty good in our fight and it's kinda an apology for leaving without saying anything!"

Tommy huffed, "I thought we weren't suppose to give out anymore!"

"I don't have any health potions on me because of the tournament!"

"I don't think Techno needs any!"

"Oh, so you can give Clay some, but I can't give Techno any?"

"You were on my ass last time for giving Clay some gapples!"

"Well, now I'm not! As long as Clay doesn't tell anyone else, you can give him as many as you want!"

"REALLY?!" Tommy turned to Clay, "You're getting more as soon as we're out of here!"

"Uh, thanks?" Clay said awkwardly, "Are you sure you want to do that, though?"

"It's fine!" Tommy replied, waving off his concern, "We have plenty and we can make more if we need to! At any rate, let's get out of here! Clay, take my hand and stay close! Come on, Tubs, I'll use my splash invis!"

It's time to go.

Chapter Text

"For the last time, I don't need a health potion, Phil!" Techno sighed as he and Phil walked towards Tubbo's room.

His assigned healer had come to them, informing them that he had forced her out of the room to deal with his injuries on his own. She did say she heard her say Tommy and Clay, so maybe they helped him as well. Techno was currently bandaged, secretly liking how sore and bruised he felt. It was proof that he and Tubbo had fought, and they fought amazingly. It showed Tubbo, his Lava Bee, was a fantastic fighter.

Besides, he didn't like the taste of health potions, it was just too much sometimes. However, he'd drink if he needed it though. He wasn't an idiot, but he really didn't need a potion right now, it was just bruises and a few scratches. He did have two or three stitches on his shoulder, but it wasn't that bad.

Phil huffed at Techno's stubbornness, "You are such a child about potions." He sighed, making the stubborn hybrid roll his eyes, "I'll admit though, that fight was fantastic."

"It was." Techno agreed with a smile.

The king chuckled, "You really like this Tubbo, huh? I personally hope he accepts the army offer. After all, he'd be a great captain! If not, there's still the possiblity of his potions. Wilbur's definitely going to ask about him when we get back." He hummed before laughing at Technoblade's confused look, "What, you do want him to stick around, no?"

"I... do..." Techno replied begrudgingly.

Fuck, he did want to have Tubbo around. He wasn't a citizen to the Antarctic Empire though, so he would most likely leave once the festival was over. Plys, those credentials he and Tommy had were fishy, definitely not legally acquired. He didn't really care that they had illegal IDs, it didn't matter. He just wanted his Lava Bee.

"Great!" Phil beamed as they finally arrived at Tubbo's door. Techno was the one to know, firmly, waiting for an answer. After a minute or two, they frowned at the silence.

"Hello?" Phil called.

...Nothing.

Techno looked at Phil, who sighed but nodded. Techno grabbed the doorknob and turned it.

Unlocked.

Good, he was planning to kick it down if needed. He opened the door and Techno was very disappointed at the empty room.

His Lava Bee was gone once again.

His chest ache, he felt more hurt by the fact Tubbo was gone. He left before they cold talk once more. Before he could think more about it, something glinting caught his eyes and his heart began to pound a bit faster at the sight of four gold apples on the table.

"Gold apples?" Phil asked curiously, noticing them as well.

Techno moves to the desk, seeing the note pinned under one of the apples. He picked up the note and the apple holding the paper down.

Sorry, but I had to go! Something came up! Here, have a golden apple, they'll help with your injuries Technoblade! (They're magic healing apples! Just eat one and you'll see!) You can forget about the prize, I don't really need or want anything! Really surprised me when I found out about your identity, Pretty Man. It was a dick move, not telling me who you were, kissing me, then making me fight you! That was just plain mean! >:(
But, thanks for the fight and the kiss, anyways! I'll admit, both were the fight was amazing!
- Tubbo (Lava Bee)

Techno stared at the letter, then at the golden apple in his hand, the pigling side of him hissing with pleasure. The more primal and instinctive part of his psyche growls in approval, and Techno had to take a deep breath to calm himself down.

"Oh, Lava Bee, you have no idea what you've just done." Techno whispered to himself, rubbing a thumb on the golden apple.

He brought it closer to his mouth, hesitating. He bit into it, Phil gasping, worried he just broke his teeth trying to eat a gold apple. However, both were surprised as Techno's teeth went through it, as if it was a normal apple. 

But it wasn't a normal apple, it was from his Lava Bee.

And his Lava Bee is anything but normal.

The apple... it's sweet, tasty, easily the best damned apple he's ever tasted and, just like his Bee wrote, the apple is magical. He felt all his woulds heal and was a bit saddened, the proof of his loss to Tubbo's amazing fighting skills disappearing with his wounds. However, it was amazing to see how fast it worked and how effective it was. Techno licked his lips, savoring the taste. It would be so much better if Tubbo was in the room.

"Magic golden fucking apples." Phil comments as he read the note over Techno's shoulder. Suddenly, he grew concerned when Techno began to shake, a large smile on his face, "Are you- wait... Oh, OH! Techno, are you-"

"I want him, Phil." Techno rumbled, clenching the apple in his hand, running his thumb over the golden skin with a bright smile, "He's strong, interesting, beautiful! He fought me, won, and gave me a gold item! A magical healing gold apple! Several, seeing as there are three left! I want him!" Techno hugged the apple and note to his chest, his heart pounding in his chest.

Phil pauses, "Techno... I don't think he knows about the Piglin Courting Traditions..." He then glanced at the golden apples, "But, then again, he thanked you for a kiss. Wait, you kissed him? Good for you ma- pal! Hmm... he would be valuable for the empire..."

He was careful not to use 'mate' this time, not when Techno was clearly acting more on instincts, more in tune with his piglin side than usual. 

A Piglin Courting Tradition was exactly as it sound, the tradition easy enough. If two piglins, hybrid or full, are interested in one another, then the courting would start. First, they battle each other, testing each other's strengths and weaknesses. Then, they offer a golden item to one another, the more unique, the better.

Tubbo had won against Techno, he'd given Techno four golden apples.

Techno's piglin side accepted the start of the courting and it seemed Techno was willing to go along with it.

"I'll tell him when I see him. I want him, Phil. He's mine." Technoblade grabbed the rest of the apples. His piglin side was going crazy, Yes, yes! Mine, shiny! Mate's gift so good! Must get courting gift for mate! Where is mate? Must find him! Techno was one to trust his instincts, seeing as it was extremely rare his instincts were wrong about something.

So, if his instincts said they wanted Tubbo, he would go with it, because he also wanted Tubbo.

Techno wanted Tubbo as his mate. He would back off it Tubbo was interested, but if the kiss was anything to go off of, Tubbo wanted him too.

Phil snorted, "Alright, alright. Go get your mate, Techno. Drag him back, he still has his prize to claim and I would really like to talk to him more!"

Phil would, of course, give his approval and support. He could handle his duties while Techno chased after the man he was interested in.

It was about time Techno found someone anyways.

"I will. I will find Tubbo and bring him back."

Elswhere, Tubbo sneezed as he and Tommy packed their things.

The chase was on.

Chapter Text

Tommy had invisibility potions, something incredibly rare and expensive. Not a lot of brewers knew how to make those, Bad could barely make them himself! Fermenting spider eyes took a long time and growing gold skinned carrots (they weren't really gold) wasn't easy, mainly because those were expensive as well.

Dream had to wonder just who Tommy and Tubbo were. They had wealth, skills, and no one has ever heard of them before? How had nobody ever heard of them? Not even the king knew who they were and, as far as he knew, General Technoblade finding Tubbo was a complete accident.

Tommy held his hand as they crept out of the coliseum, translucent swirls coming off of them. It was easy to sneak away, seeing as they were invisible. However, they were only temporary, so after eight minutes, they wore off. However, they were long gone from the coliseum. They found a private corner in an alleyway that had no one in it.

"The inn we're staying at is a few miles from here, Tubs and I gotta pack up and get out asap! I don't know if they'll try to find us, they probably will, seeing as Techno has an interest in Tubbo." Tommy explained, taking out some golden apples from... somewhere.

Dream didn't know and didn't care, happily taking the five apples Tommy offered, but frowned at what this meant, "You're really going to leave? The festival is not even over yet..."

He had been looking forward to tomorrow, where he and Tommy could spend more time together while Tubbo was preoccupied with Pretty Man, aka Technoblade.

"I-I" Tommy sighed, also upset, "Yeah... We really have to go Clay... We don't want to be involved with royalty. It's just- ...yeah..." He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "I'm really sorry Clay... It was really nice to meet you! Hey, it's okay! We'll see each other again!"

"Well, where are you headed? I still have a few things to do here, but maybe we can meet up afterwards, wherever you're going?" Dream asked.

He was determined to find Tommy once again. Unfortunately, he and Sapnap had to meet with their clients face to face before they could leave Glay S'ierre. He couldn't give Sapnap the head of Nobleman Ghi so his best friend could deliver it for him, not if he wanted to get pain. He just had to be their on time.

Tommy hummed, "Well, uh, Tubs? Where are we going?" He asked.

"Anywhere but here." Tubbo said, uncertain, "I don't know, we just need to get out of here and maybe camp in the woods for a bit. I don't know where we'd go, seeing as the map is in the inn."

Dream's frown deepened before he perked up, gasping, "Oh! Why don't you go to Miner's Valley? It's where me and my friend are going back to after the festival! I could meet you there or maybe even on the way if we're lucky! It's just a week's travel there by horse!" He suggested, grinning, "It's a great place, great booze!" He winked at Tommy, who blushed a bit at the wink, laughing.

Tommy turned to Tubbo, excitedly, but definitely not because Clay suggested it, "I like the sound of that, let's go there! Good alcohol means good times!" 

Tubbo hummed, "I think I remember seeing it on the map... Yeah, okay, we'll head there!"

He held back a laugh as Tubbo and Clay smiled brightly.

"Perfect!" Dream exclaimed as he put his golden apples in his spatial pouch, "I can't wait to see you there! I would say be careful because the mobs that spawn near Miner's Valley are tough, but I have a feeling they wouldn't stand a chance against either of you!"

Tommy giggled and nodded. God, he was adorable, especially when he proudly puffed out his chest.

"Nothing can take down the great Tommy Innit and his best friend Tubbo!"

Dream believed that, not a shred of doubt in his mind at those words. He's seen them fight, he knew their skills, Tubbo beat Technoblade. And if Tubbo and Tommy had a fifty fifty chance of beating each other, it meant Tommy could beat him too. God, it would have been exhilarating to see Tommy fight against Technoblade. Maybe in the future.

Or even him and Tommy? He was a good fighter, Tommy finding him that fateful day was when he was down on his luck, but he was a damn good fighter.

"Still, be careful though, okay?" Dream placed his hand on Tommy's shoulder, looking into his blue eyes.

Tommy smiled reassuringly, patting his hand before hugging him, "Don't worry, Clay, we'll be fine!"

Dream hugged back firmly. Unfortunately, the hug had to end and they pulled back.

"We'll see you at Miner's Valley and you better treat me to a drink when we get there!" He teased.

Dream smiled, leaning down and placing a gentle kiss to Tommy's cheek, "It's a date." He whispered before jogging off.

Tommy froze, his whole face heating up as he smiled brightly, Dream smiling at the reaction. Thank god he didn't get a negative reaction, that would have been bad.

"Damn, smooth." Tubbo teased Tommy.

Tommy blushed and glared at his best friend, "I don't want to hear it when you sucked on Techno's face!"

"H-HEY! I didn't know it was him!"

The two continued their playful arguing as they made their way to the inn.

~~~

"Karl, you might want to get out of the way of the door." The seer called to his dear friend and protege, who immediately stumbled back, just in time for the door to slam open, "Technoblade, you really must knock before you enter. You almost hit Karl." He sighed, glancing at the general, who looked tense, impatient really.

"What's the point, you'd seen me anyways. Besides, just warn him earlier." Techno retorted as Phil also walked in.

"Hello, Sir Technoblade! Your Majesty!" Karl greeted cheerfully, clutching the books and papers his teacher had asked for before they were interrupted.

"Hello Karl, Eret." Phil smiled warmly before lightly smacking Techno's shoulder, "They are right, Techno. You should knock. Just because you want to find Tubbo, it doesn't mean you have to be rude."

Karl blinked and tilted his head, Eret snickering, "Tubbo? You mean Trident Tubbo? The winner and the guy you fought an hour ago? He's gone?"

"Yes, just straight up left! But, he didn't leave without giving something to Techno." Phil said in amusement.

Techno reluctantly handed over the note and one of the apples his Lava Bee left him, Karl gasping at the appearance of the fruit while Eret hummed, looking at it with his glowing eye sockets. Neither touched them, however, not wanted to anger their general.

"Well, isn't that something." He tilted his head, glancing between the note and apple, "I can certainly tell the apple has magical properties. The amount of raw healing magic is certainly phenomenal. If you don't mind, I would like to study it."

Techno hesitated, all four apples were considered a part of his courting gift! He couldn't just give them away! "...Find my Bee and I'll consider it."

"Antsy, are you?" Eret teased, noticing the way Techno's ears flicked back and forth. He clearly wanted to leave asap.

Techno went to say something, but Eret held up his hand, motioning towards Karl. The boy quickly got Eret's crystal cube and came back, carefully holding the transparent white cube. Karl placed it on the black pillow Eret liked to use whenever using the cube. Techno placed the note on top of the cube, Eret murmured softly into the cube, closing his eyes.

For a moment, there was nothing.

Then, Eret opened his eyes and his eyes began glowing brightly,"Your man's heading southwest. You'll see him near the waterfall at Tide's Peak-"

As soon as he said that, Techno turned around and ran out of the room, not forgetting to grab his Lava Bee's note.

Phil sighed, facing the two with a apologetic smile, "Thank you, my seer. My apologies for how rude he is today."

Eret laughed, waving off the apology, "It's nothing, my king! I can see how enamored our general is! I only wish him luck with his interesting mate. I have a feeling he'll need it!"

He and Karl bowed as the king left.

"If you don't mind me asking, Master Eret, but you say he needed luck. Do you see Trident Tubbo not accepting his offer?" Karl asked, picking up the crystal cube.

"Oh no, nothing like that." Eret replied, chuckling, "I see Tubbo definitely agreeing to the courting, I just have a feeling the chase won't be as easy as Sir Techno thinks it will be. The chase is going to be very, very amusing."

Karl chuckled, nodding.

Chapter Text

The sun was setting by the time Tubbo and Tommy reached the outskirts of Glay S'ierre. Getting past the guards at the gates with distrations and invis, they were out of the town in no time.

"I can't believe it..." Tommy sighed, irking his best friend more, "I just can not believe it! Pretty Man was Technoblade! You beat Techno and made out with him-"

Tubbo slapped him, "LOOK, I DID NOT KNOW IT WAS HIM!" He argued, "Technoblade, our Techno is way more piglin-like and, he's great and all, but you've seen Pret- I-I mean, this Technoblade! He's unfairly pretty, alternate dimensions are fucked up! How can a guy be that handsome?! A-An-And he kissed me first!" Tubbo defended himself, albeit weakly. 

He thought back to the kiss, the way Techno pinned him to the wall, their breaths intermingling, Techno's skilled tongue dancing with his own- god his face was on fire, trying franctically to get rid of the thought. 

But he couldn't, it had been so good. 

He had Techno's har in his fist, Techno's arm was around his waist and it went up his shirt! Granted, they didn't go farther because Tommy walked in, but it was there. God, Techno's strong arms were wrapped around him. He's a great fighter, a great kisser, wh-

"Fucking hell, he ruined me!" Tubbo whimpered, covering his face as Tommy laughed, "Tommy, stop laughing! This is serious, I can't stop thinking about the kiss and the fight and- oh fuck, I beat him, I really fucking beat him! I looked him in the eyes and I beat him an-and I had him pinned down an- fuck, TOMMY HELP!" He whined, face a bright red.

Tommy chuckled, hugging his friend close, "I'm not gonna comment on the kiss, but the fight was fucking awesome, man! I can't believe you beat Techno! I mean, even if it's a different Techno, it's still Techno! Blood God, Techno-Never-Dies, Bloody General, whatever else you want to call him!" He gave his friend a reassuring smile, Tubbo smiling back sheepishly, "So, question. Does this mean you're, like, my brother in law now?"

Tubbo punched him in the side for that joke, Tommy laughing, "SHUT UP!"

"It's a legitimate question!" Tommy protested between laughter.

Tubbo groaned before he grinned mischievously. He put his finger to his chin, smirking, "I mean, I could be, if Techno fuck me." He held back his victorious snicker as Tommy practically choked on air. It was definitely embarrassing to say that, but it was worth it seeing his best friend's laughing face to instant regret, "Maybe if the tournament started way later, we probably would've gone a lot farther down the line! I think your brother had a hair pulling king, he liked it when I tugged on his pretty locks~! And from the fight, I can tell he likes it rough-"

"OKAY, OKAY, STOP, I'M SORRY!" Tommy cried out, covering his best friend's mouth, "Tubs, my man, I love you, but I do not need you talking about my brother's possible kinks and shit!"

Alternate version or not, Techno was still his brother and he definitely did not need, nor want, to know his sexual preferences and kinks, much less have his best friend talking about it. Tubbo, however, felt smut, albeit a bit embarrassed. Thinking on what Techno would like in bed was, obviously, very embarrassing. He honestly did think Techno liked his hair being pulled and liked being rough. He wonders what else. Was he more of a sadist? Was he a masochist? He clearly liked getting injured, but did he like injuring people. 

He shoved it aside for a moment as he and Tommy stood by a waterfall outside of Glay S'ierre. It was a beautiful waterfall with a lovely cliff, wide ledges that led down to the ground. Before they went down, Tubbo checked the map, just needing to make sure they were on the right track.

"Okay, so this must be Tide's Peak!" Tubbo explained, Tommy looking over his shoulder, "If we keep going southeast and get throught Cotta Gorge, we'll be in Miner's Valey in a week's time."

He rolled up the map and stashed it in his spatial pouch and replacing it with a cooked potato so he could eat.

Tommy smiled, nodding as he twiddled with a familiar red crystal between his fingers, "Easy enough, I can't want to check the place out!" 

"Can't wait to see Clay and go on your date, you mean~!" Tubbo teased, snickering when Tommy sputtered, "Don't worry, Toms, we'll see Clay in Miner's Valley soon!"

Tommy went to retort before he stopped, "Wait..."

"Wh-"

"Shh, shh..." He cupped his ear, "...Do you hear that?"

Tubbo was confused before listening. He heard footsteps.

Wait, no, those were hooves.

Fast hooves, pounding on the ground, sounding like they were coming closer.

"A horse? Tommy questioned, "It's getting closer..."

"Yeah." Tubbo bit his lip, feeling a but wary about the hooves, especially since he and Tommy were on the edge of the cliff.

They had no idea why a horse was coming or who was on the horse. Maybe it was a stray traveler, simply passing by? A lost adventurer trying to get to Glay S'ierre?

Or maybe it was Technoblade on a horse coming after them.

They weren't expecting the third option, but it's what they see.

"Fuuuuuck-" Tommy curses when he sees none other than the pink hair between the trees, coming closer, "That's Technoblade! Time to go, Tubs!" He exclaimed, turning around and jumping into the water, "COME ON TUBS!" He yelled before he hit the water.

Tubbo's heartbeat had quickened the moment he saw him as he edged backwards, careful of the cliff. He looked down to where Tommy had landed in the water and risked a look back, seeing Techno breach the trees. His blue eyes met red, startled. He turned and couldn't help the grin on his face as he jumped.

"NO-"

Tommy heard as he fell and splashed into the water. The lake wasn't too deep, thankfully, and he didn't take any major damage thanks to the water. He swam up for air, coughing slightly and looking up. He saw Techno on an iron armored horse, looking down at him. He laughed a little, his adrenaline high. Technoblade was coming after them

Technoblade was coming after him. 

The thought was reinforced when Techno lead his horse to the side ledges of the waterfall cliff, the ledge thankfully strong and wide enough to support him and the horse.

"Shiiiiiiiiit." Tubbo swore and quickly swam to where Tommy was. They had to get out of the lake, they had to get out of there.

Tommy waved at him from the shore, frantically calling for him, "Come on Tubbo, hurry!"

He pulled the brunette out of the water, gripping his hand tightly before they began running as fast as they could.

The chase was truly on now.

Chapter Text

For the second time that day, Tubbo was filled with adrenaline. Only this time, he didn't have a single weapon in his hand. Well, he could easily pull out his sword, axe, trident, or any weapon really. But he wasn't fighting, no.

He was running.

Tommy had soon let go of his hand as they reached the treeline together, both sprinting forward. They ran as fast as they could, jumping off of large roots, stray logs, even some sizable boulders to gain more distance. Tubbo swears that this was the loudest heartbeat in the world.

Technoblade was on their heels, on a horse, which was entirely unfair. Not to mention, they could both run out of sprint soon or if they messed up a jump, Techno would grab them. Well, no, he's after Tubbo, so he would go for the brunette. Either way, they needed to eventually shove food down their throats, but they didn't have that time.

They had to be strategic, they had to be smart, they had to outwit Technoblade.

They had a chance to beat him, because this wasn't their Technoblade, so this was different. Tubbo had beat him, so they had a chance. If it was their Techno, it would be a different story.

Tubbo looked at his friend, "Toms!" He had a mischievous gleam in his eye, Tommy looking at him, "Swift-Slow!"

It was risky, but he and Tommy had made several plans when in their spare time if anything bad were to happen. Besides, Techno was after him, not Tommy.

Tommy didn't hesitate, nodding, "Right!" 

They both skidded in place, heading in opposite directions. As Tubbo goes right, Tommy going left, he lost his sprint, but he doesn't turn as he hears hooves following him. A new wave of adrenaline mixed with fear and, strangely, anticipation rushed through his veins as he jumped and sprinted off a few rocks. He sees a small ledge, jumping off of it as Techno gained on him.

Tubbo grabbed a large branch connected to a nearby oak tree. He swung himself up into the trees, breaking a few branches and leaves, but hides himself in the tree. He balanced himself on a few branches and covered his mouth, trying not to let out his loud breaths, waiting. His heart thumped against his chest so hard, he heard it in his ears. Hell, maybe even Techno can hear him.

Techno and his hose pass by underneath him. However, when Techno doesn't see a trace where Tubbo could've went, he halted just a few meters away from his tree. He looked away, Tubbo pressing himself more against the tree, trying not to move and make a sound. 

Tubbo's hunger is low, he can't sprint.

He needs to eat. 

Eating is loud, unbearably loud, especially since there was a tense silence he and Techno were sharing.

"Oh, Tubbo~ Where are you~?" Techno calls out, his voice low, smooth, and deep.

In any other circumstance, Tubbo would've been swooned. However, he was trying to run from his incredibly hot chaser. Even if his voice sound more sensual, more personal, more loving. Not to mention, it was all aimed at him.

God dammit, Techno was not helping his attraction crisis.

Tubbo took a deep breath through his nose, slowly moving his hand from his mouth as he, as quietly as he could, took out some streak.

Techno continued, "Did you really think I wouldn't have come for you? Phil still owes you a prize and I... I really want you to come back with me..." He said aloud as his horse trotted slowly around the area.

When Techno was far enough, Tubbo shoves the steak into his mouth, wincing at his desperate and loud chewing and the loud gulp forced out of him when he swallowed as quick as he could. Thank god he didn't choke. Techno's ears twitched and he turned towards the tree Tubbo was hiding in.

Dammit, he wished it wasn't the case, but he wanted all of the hunger the steak gave him. He couldn't nibble it silently, it just wasn't as effective. Tubbo eats another steak so his hunger was full and he'd be able to sprint once again. He could have waited until Techno went away, but his hunger would probably have drained by then and then it would start hurting from the lack of food.

"Did you just eat something?" Techno chuckled, a smirk on his face as he lead his horse to Tubbo's tree, "Is it one of those golden apples you gave me? Thank you for those, I've never been gifted such a beautiful and wondrous item before." He hummed, his tone so soft that Tubbo couldn't stop himself from looking down at him, "Oh, my interesting bee, you have no idea what you've done to me. What you're doing to me." 

Your interesting bee? Tubbo blushed darkly at the adorable nickname coming from such a handsome man. Fuck, what is wrong with him?! He shouldn't be feeling this way with the thrill and fear of running away. He tried to keep quiet as he continued hiding in the tree, away from his pretty pink haired handsome man.

Techno's head tilts down and sees the pile of leaves and unnaturally broken branches, "You're unnaturally agile and adept, my Lava Bee." He then looked up and Tubbo freezes, praying to good Techno doesn't see him behind all the leaves and branches. However, his hope is gone when a sly smile appears on Techno's face, "Hello, Tubbo, fancy seeing you up there!"

Tubbo couldn't help the laughter that spills from his throat, "Fancy seeing you down there!" He calls back, rustling the branches and leaves as he adjusted from the uncomfortable stance.

Techno chuckled and in one quick and fluid move, he pushed against his horse and stands on the saddle, giving him height. His horse doesn't even flinch, all it does is let out a snort as it adjusted its footing to let its rider stand on its back with no problem.

"Oh, now that is just unfair! You're staring on a horse!" Tubbo puffed his cheeks out, "You're just so cool!"

"It is pretty impressive, I suppose." Techno shrugged, looking upwards at him, "But not as impressive as your gymnastic trick. You disappeared for a moment there. I would've left the area if you had stayed quiet." 

Tubbo pouts, huffing at him, "I was hungry! You were chasing me and that little gymnastic trick made me hungry!" It was really unfair that people in this world didn't have hunger bars and could continue going with no consequence on an empty stomach, "Speaking of which, why are you chasing me? Is it the golden apples or the prize thing? I don't need the prize, so you can forget about that and the apples is a gift from me to you!" Stall, stall him! Just until-

Techno smiled, "Yes, such a wonderful gift." He reached around his head and loosened the ribbon that kept his pig skull mask to his face. Tubbo's heart skipped a beat as he blushed, biting his lip as he stared at Techno's beautiful face, "Why am I chasing you, hm? It may involve the golden apples. They're absolutely amazing, just as amazing as you, my interesting Lava Bee."

Is he flirting with Tubbo right now? And why the fuck was it working? Tubbo was tempted to hang his legs down, let his guard down. 

Techno legs bent, as if he was getting read to jump off the horse and to the tree, "Phil's not going to just forget that easily... Come down from the tree, Tubbo. I am taking you back to Glay S'ierre, we have some unfinished business. You're literally cornered in a tree." 

Tubbo bit back a moan as the idea of "unfinished business," his mind going back to the kiss and-

"Y-You've got me cornered, yeah. I'll admit." Tubbo shifts, moving to a lower branch so the two could see each other better. He sat on a lower and thicker branch of the tree, legs hanging off of it, so close the hybrid could grab his feet if he wanted. He put his hand in his palms, elbows resting on his knees as he smiled innocently, loving the way Technoblade's face turned a lovely shade of red.

"But you haven't caught me yet, Pretty Man~!" Tubbo purred as he glanced to the side.

Techno followed his gaze and-

SMASH!

Glass shattered as it hit Techno's legs, showering the potion that was inside on him and the horse. Techno blinks as he suddenly felt sluggish, like there was something heavy weighing him down. His horse whinnies at the sudden surprise and almost knocked him to the ground. However, Techno managed to fall down onto the saddle, his legs resting on the same side.

In a nearby tree, Tommy grinned widely at Techno, tossing a potion in the air and catching it with a smirk, "Forgot about me, huh, Technoblade~?" 

Tubbo chuckled as he swung off the branch, landing on a big root. Techno let out a low growl, trying to quickly move to either properly get back on his horse or get off. He ended up landing roughly on his feet, though it was very sluggish and hard to move. He looked at his hands, clenching his fingers only for them to move slowly.

"Slowness Potion!" Tommy explained as he walk to Tubbo, "Should last a few minutes. Here, Tubs!" He gave Tubbo a light blue potion with a few Ender Pearls, "Extended Swiftness Potion, they'll last eight minutes. Plus the pearls! We're getting the fuck out of here!"

Tubbo took the items, uncorking the bottle, "You're going to have to try better than that, Technoblade~! I'm not going to be easy to catch!" He knelt down in front of the sulking hybrid. Tubbo downed the potion and leaned forward, kissing Techno's cheek and whispering in his ear, "Catch me if you can, Pretty Man."

Techno tried, in vain, to grab Tubbo, but the boy quickly pulled back and began running with his best friend, who was playfully gagging. Tubbo let out a laugh and, just like that, they were gone, hidden by the trees in the forest, leaving the slow, sulking, and embarrassed hybrid and his horse behind.

~~~

"Fuck." Techno swore, leaning against Carl, who neighs at him as his Bee's laugh fades farther away.

He doesn't bother to go after him, not now at least. It wasn't going to work, despite how much he wanted to chase him. His piglin side demanded him to go, to grab his mate, but when you looked at the situation rationally, it wouldn't worked. He shoved it aside for now, feeling so unnaturally slow.

The area begins to darken as the sun begins to set.

A feeling of loss settles in Technoblade's stomach, but it's not long before it shifts to a fierce determination and a sense of want. His piglin brain stops demanding to chase Tubbo, instead purring at the challenge and hunt's increased difficulty. Almost like a second battle, a second battle for the courting, perhaps.

Of course Techno wouldn't be able to catch him so soon! That would be too easy if he did, and his Lava Bee never went down without a fight! His bee was powerful, resourceful, and had a loyal companion by his side! Techno did good, but if he wanted to catch Tubbo, he had to do his best, better than his best.

(He honestly did forget about Tommy after they split up, his focus entirely on Tubbo.)

He wouldn't make those mistakes next time.

Techno climbs back on Carl, grunting in annoyance on how slow he was, before he made his way back to Glay S'ierre.

The hunt wasn't over, oh definitely not. The chase was still going.

But Techno needed to be prepared if he wanted to win and catch Tubbo, catch his Lava Bee, his mate.

"I'll catch you, my Bee." He murmured to himself, a smirk on his face, "Challenge accepted.

Farther in the woods, Tubbo sneezed.

Chapter Text

Tubbo and Tommy spent the next eight minutes running, only stopping once to shove food down their throats. They stopped once the potion finally wears off, panting heavily against the trees withing the darkness. Tommy flops down on the grass, tiredly placing a torch from where he was laying. Tubbo does the same, placing it on the root he was laying against.

All was calm.

Until there was a chuckle.

Tommy was chuckling.

His body ached from exhaustion, his lungs felt like they were burning, yet it didn't stop him from allowing the laughter to escape his mouth. Soon enough, Tubbo was laughing as well, heart still pounding, face red from the exertion and the near capture from Techno.

They laughed so hard together, almost to the point of tears.

The stray sound of rattling bones and guttural groans didn't stop their laughter, but it did make them stand and grab their weapons as the hostile mobs came for them.

However, those mobs had no idea what they were in for.

~~~

Phil expected Techno to come back, he always does. The Antarctic Empire is his home, so long as Philza was involved. His friend was loyal to no one but him, and perhaps Wilbur, but that's because he's Phil's son. The only reason Techno was a part of the empire was because of the king, so he would come back no matter what challenge he faced.

Wilbur, however, didn't understand that, thinking Techno just left without saying goodbye.

"He got a bit screwed in the head." Phil soothed, chuckling as he pet his son's head, "Techno's is very interested in this Tubbo fellow, the young man made your uncle insane!"

Wilbur snorted at the exaggeration, but asks with wide eyes and a wide smile, "So he's in love?!"

Was Techno in love? It was possible, no one has ever riled Techno up this much. Hell, Techno is willing to go along with the unintended start of a tradition from his hybrid heritage. The longing look in his friend's eyes, the tone of voice he had used, the desperation of find Tubbo-

"Maybe." Phil ruffled Wilbur's hair, the boy huffing in protest, "We'll just have to see after Techno brings him back, hm?"

He's in his office when he gets wind that his general had come back, empty handed and sulking. He was surprised and stood from his desk, amazed Techno had failed to get Tubbo when he was so determined. He finds Techno in his room, the hybrid grumbling to himself as he combed his hair, seeming to just finish taking a back.

"You're back." Phil comments as he leaned against the doorway, watching Techno braid his hair, "You didn't get him?"

"No..." Techno huffed, disappointed, "My Bee- Tubbo was prepared and craft. And I had forgotten about his friend when I was chasing him. I had him corned in a tree, I could've grabbed him and held him to my chest and bring him back! But his friend, Tommy, came from the side and doused me with a slowness potion, both using swiftness potions and ender pearls to get away."

Phil couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped him, "That's certainly not liked you."

Techno picked up a crown and place it on his head as usual, "I know, I won't make the same mistake again. It's not over, not by all means. I just have to be better. I'm going to catch him, Phil, I'm not giving up!" Techno promised with an intense look in his res eyes.

"Yes, I expected as much. You are not the type to give up, anyways." Phil smiled, "When are you heading out?"

Techno stood up from his dresser, walking over to his wardrobe, "Tomorrow morning at the earliest, late afternoon at the latest. I'll readjust my duties so you don't have any extra work. I have to pack a few things for myself as well as get a scry on where my Lava Bee is going." He shifted through his wardrobe, his decision final.

Phil didn't stop him, nor would he if he could. He could see how serious Techno was, how much he wanted Tubbo, so he would support from the sidelines. It has been awhile since Techno had been this enthusiastic about anything. Besides, Techno would come back to him and Wilbur, victorious or not.

"You're going alone?" Phil questioned, thinking about Tubbo's friend, "Wilbur's going to miss you."

"I'll be fine, I won't underestimate either of them next time." Techno waved off, knowing Phil wanted to him. However, Phil was a king, he had duties he needed to do, "As for Wilbur, tell him he better get better at his swordplay and combat skills by the time I have Tubbo in my arms."

Phil chuckled at the small teasing, knowing Techno would give his son a few things and spend time with him, Techno loved his nephew. "We'll be looking forward to it." He hummed, smiling slyly, "He asked if you were in love, you know. He thinks he'll get a new uncle soon."

Techno's face turns a shade of red as he looked away, regaining his composure, "It's... complicated. I don't know about love, but I want him. He's strong, keeps me on my toes, and beautiful. I just... I want him."

Phil nodded, clearly amused as he moved to hug his long time friend who he saw as a brother, "Well, whatever it is, whatever you call it, whatever you decide, I support you. Good luck, Techno. Don't forget to write and send messages to Wil and I. We'll be waiting eagerly to read them and learn more about your Bee. Drag him back by his ankles if you need to, we want to meet him."

Techno smiled and hugged back, "Of course, Phil."

~~~

"There's a village we can stop to buy horses somewhere a little east from here." Tubbo explained as Tommy finished setting up the tent, the brunette looking over the food.

They've moved to safer grounds after dealing with the mobs that had spawned around them both, lit up the area to prevent more from spawning, and were safe as they made their campsite. He has the map laid out on top of the crafting table that was near the campfire they made. A few raw steaks were cooking at the side though they didn't really need it right now. However, it was better to cook it now so they could eat it later.

The raw food in this world degraded and rotted faster than theirs. The cooked food lasted just as long though.

Tommy hummed as he went over to sit on the log as a makeshift chair, "You know, it's about time we bought horses! We've been moving on our own two legs and it's just exhausting to do everything on our own two feet."

"Yeah, no kidding! We should've bought horses earlier!" Tubbo agreed, rolling up the map and stashing it in his inventory, "Probably would have made escaping easier."

"And maybe even more badass!" Tubbo sat beside his grinning friend, who was excited about the fact they outwit Techno, "Did you see his face, Tubs?! Ha, it was priceless!"

"I was there, Toms." Tubbo chuckled, thinking about Techno's red face mixed with shock and disappointment, "It was priceless." He held back the blush, thinking back to the kiss he had placed on Techno's cheek. It was kind of an accident, it was just him acting on instinct.

He offered a steak to Tommy, who accepted and bit into it, "Sho-" He mumbled through chewing, swallowing his steak, "What now?"

"What do you mean?" Tubbo questioned, munching on his steak.

"What I mean is what now about Techno? He came after you, he'll probably do it again. Our Techno is not to type to give up and I doubt this Techno is any different."

"We'll just get away again." Tubbo said, "It'll probably be harder, seeing as he won't make the same mistakes. But we'll manage!"

His best friend hummed, raising an eyebrow with a smirk, "Really? You sure you want to keep running from him?" He blew a playful kiss into the air, "'Mwah~! Catch me if you can, Pretty Man~!' Pretty ballsy, 'specially since he could have grabbed you! Then again, you'd like that-"

"TOMMY!" Tubbo yelled, face a bright red.

"Hey, I'm not judging! Well, it's a bit weird because, you know, alternate brother thingy!" Tommy hummed, but leaned back, staring at the starry sky with a small smile, "Just teasing, though. On a more serious note, how's your attraction crisis going? Is it through the roof yet?"

"More like reaching the sky limit..." He complained, laying beside his friend and burying himself in Tommy's side, "This world it so unfair..."

Tommy messed with his hair, teasing, "Boohoo, my name's Tubbo and I'm being manhunted by a handsome pink haired piging hybrid who happens to be the alternate brother of the amazing Tommy Innit! Boohoohoo, he's so handome and pretty and-"

Tommy laughed as he was shoved off the log, Tubbo taking out BeeInnit to hit the blonde with, "ASSHOLE! YOU SAID SERIOUS NOTE! SERIOUS! NOTE!"

Tommy blocked his face, "Sorry not sorry Tubs! It's hard to take it seriously when you sound like a teenager in love with a celeb, gushing about your favorite things about the handsome man! Oh, wait, that's exactly what's happening! Except you're not a teenager!"

"You! Are! An! Ass!" Tubbo accented each word with a hit from BeeInnit.

"And you, my dear friend, are an idiot."

Tubbo pouted, ceasing his hitting and simply hugging BeeInnit to his chest, "I'd like to see how you'd react if you were being 'manhunted' like I was!

Tommy laughed, "Yeah? I'd probably take it better than you! Besides, who would hunt me down anyways? No one's got the balls or skill!"

Little did he know, he would soon be eating those words.

Chapter Text

Eret's humming came to a stop, as well as their writing and sighed, "Karl!"

Said protege looked down from the ladder he was on.

They walked to the ladder, holding onto it, "Get the scrying book, Technoblade-"The door was slammed open and Karl yelped, the ladder wobbling. However, because Eret was there, they steadied it and sight once more, "-is coming..."

Karl let out a sigh of relief, hanging onto the ladder for dear life as Technoblade stepped into the room, dressed in his usual clothes, "A little warning would be nice!"

He was sort of aiming the comment at both, his mentor who did technically warn him, but it was only a few seconds before it happened, as well as the general who barged in unexpectedly.

"Must you slam my door open every time? If I find it broken again, I am going to make sure my father punts you across the Nether the next time we visit him together!" Eret groaned, pinching their temples as Techno snorted.

"Sounds fun. Been awhile since that happened, Phil would have a grand time catching me after your dad throws me!" Techno chuckled, "Besides, the door's fine, so stop complaining." 

Karl sighed as he simply climbed down the ladder to a lower shelf, taking the scrying book out from between the books, "I got the scrying book!" He exclaimed, climbing down the ladder with the book underneath his arm.

Eret snorted, shaking their head before smiling at Karl when he reached the bottom of the ladder, "Wonderful, thank you Karl. Can you also get me a soul candle please?" They took the book from their protege as the brunette went to get said item, "Since you're empty handed, Techno, I'm going to make an accurate assumption that you want to know where your man is going."

Technoblade huffed at them, "You knew I was going to come back."

The glowing eyed seer simply smiled innocently, "Yes, well, somewhat. It was up in the air whether you would or would not get Tubbo. All I knew is that the hunt wouldn't be easy!" They opened the book and flipped to an empty page, Techno huffing once more, "I need the note Tubbo gave you, I need to burn it."

Techno hesitated, but sighed and reluctantly gave it to them. It was just the note, not the golden apples.

Karl came over with a small soul fire candle, "It's our last one, we'll have to get more from the Nether soon." He tells his mentor.

They simply hummed in understandment, pulling out a lighter to light the candle, which burned large and orange. Techno took a deep breath, clenching his fist as he watched Eret flick Tubbo's hand written note into the orange fire, the seer murmuring to himself. As soon as the paper touched the flame, it turned into ash as the flame turned to a bright blue, calming to a smaller size. Eret continued to murmur as he gestured to their hand, the ash flying across the air and into the book.

THUMP!

Eret closed the book, pressing them against the blank page.

Techno was always amazed by Eret and their magic. Seer magic was so complicated, yet Eret acted as though it was as simple as breathing. Their father, the King of Flames, was extremely proud of Eret, his son. Granted, he was a bit disappointed Eret chose to become the Antarctic Empire's Seer, but it was better than having his son be a seer for an enemy rather than an ally.

The ashes melted into the thick page of the book, Eret opening it to show off they were forming into a beautiful picture of a familiar place. Techno's eyes took in everything as the picture formed int the man he desperately wanted, Tubbo. However, more kept forming. Tommy was beside his best friend and-

Oh. Oh no.

Eret left out a breath they had been holding in, looking at the newest illustration in their scrying book.

Tubbo and Tommy stood together at the entrance of Miner's Valley with bright grins, surrounded by faceless people. However, there was one more man, who wasn't faceless. In the corned of the image, hidden within the crowd, was a man who seemed to be eyeing Tommy, the masked bounty hunter eyeing Tommy.

"Isn't that the bounty hunter Dream?" Karl questioned, hovering his finger over the picture of Dream, not daring to touch the picture. It would ruin it, "What's he doing in Miner's Valley? What's his connection to Trident Tubbo?"

Techno narrowed his eyes, "I have no idea, but I don't like it." 

Was their a bounty on his Bee? Was Dream coming after his Bee? No, no that wouldn't do!

"Eret?" Karl asked his mentor.

The seer looked at the image, "Well, seeing as most of the other people are faceless in this picture, I'd say Tubbo has a strong connection with Dream. It's not as strong as his connection to Tommy, seeing as Dream is a bit more faded while Tommy is perfectly realistic. I don't think Dream is after them, at least not for a bounty. There would be a sign for that and he doesn't have a weapon on him either." Eret held their chin in their hand, "He's... observing them, interested in them. Curious."

Techno let out a growl, his piglin side saying No! NO! My Lava Bee, my MATE-

"Oh, calm yourself, general!" Eret chuckled, looking over the picture, "He means no harm to Tubbo or Tommy. In fact, he doesn't seem interested in your Bee, seeing as he's looking directly at Tommy." They continued looking at the picture. Tubbo was in the middle of the picture, because he was what they were focusing on, with Tommy by him, holding hands. Dream stood in the corner, looking at Tommy, with faceless people surrounding them, "Well, in any case, your man and his friend are heading to Miner's Valley. You'll encounter Dream there as well, but he's not going to do anything to you or these two."

Techno nodded, eyes narrowed at the page. He believed their seer, they had never been wrong before (granted, they will keep things to themselves because he finds it amusing), but he didn't like the face Dream was near, or going to be near, his Bee (and Tommy, but he was more focused on his Bee). What did he want?

He'll just have to find out himself.

~~~

"I shall name you... Henrick!" Tommy decided, petting the brown horse on the snout, "Henrick the Horse! You shall be my trusted steed, Henrick, you will take us to victory!" He exclaimed dramatically, pointing to the sky.

Henrick whinnied, bowing down to eat some hay.

Tubbo chuckled at his friend before turning back to the man who ran the stables, "Here you go, sir. Full payment for both horses, thank you very much!" He handed the man a stack of coins.

The man smiles back, "Good lads! Y'er welcome an' thanks y'erself!" The man said happily, waving at Tubbo as he went over to his own horse.

Tubbo pat the grey mare's neck, smiling, "You're quite lovely, aren't you? I'll name you Beatrice!"

Beatrice seemed to like the name, huffing and enjoying the pat to the snout Tubbo gave her. 

He and Tommy were in a small village that had horses to sell, strong horses too. They didn't plan to stay too long, simply to buy horses and restock a bit. They wished to get to Miner's Valley asap, or at least far away from Glay S'ierre, seeing as Technoblade was no doubt going to follow them once more. 

Tubbo wanted to avoid Miner's Valley because of the possibility of Techno coming there, but Tommy was adamant about going.

"Clay invited us! He said there was some good shit! We can deal with Techno, like trick him or something, but we're going to Miner's Valley!"

It would be rude to stand Clay up like that and Tommy was really looking forward to going there and seeing Clay again. He would tease Tommy about it later, but he agreed on going to Miner's Valley.

As soon as they bought Henrick and Beatrice, they went to buy a few other things, like a few travel packs for their horses as well as some wheat and such. The horses were a part of their group, so they would make sure they were both happy and healthy!

"Damn, if only we brought horse armor with us! Our world's armor is far more durable then the armor here." Tommy murmured to Tubbo, the brunette agreeing.

Tubbo poked at the iron armor that seemed rather heavy for Beatrice, "Lighter too."

They were still looking for a way home, but they were taking their time and having fun along the way. They wanted to learn more about this magical world, it was so amazing. At some point, they would get serious and try to look for a solid way home, but, for now, they would enjoy this world and have fun.

"High ho, Henrick!" Tommy exclaimed as soon as he got on his horse, "To Miner's Valley!"

They had gotten everything they needed, so they needed to go.

Tubbo got on Beatrice, smiling and patting the mare's neck, "Let's go, Beatrice!"

Their horses neighed before they started trotting, both Tommy and Tubbo quickly finding out that riding horses, something they were pros at, was slightly different. It was a bit less stable than what they were used to, but they were quick to learn and able to steady themselves.

"Makes Techno's trick more impressive." Tubbo hummed.

"Please, I could do that!" Tommy waved him off, holding onto Henrick's reigns a bit too tightly.

Tubbo rolled his eyes and focused more on following the map that led to Miner's Valley. With their horses, the travel time was definitely going to be shortened. They would definitely make it within the week, maybe taking some shortcuts along the way.

Later that night, they set up camp at the edge of the forest that bordered the mountain range they were supposed to get through. Tommy began trying to replicated Techno's trick, Tubbo laughing when Tommy faceplanted into the ground. The horse definitely wasn't used to such a trick and struggled to get his footing, which ended in Tommy falling and bruising his face.

"Oh, you think you're so confident-"

"I literally didn't say anything-"

"Why don't you try to do it, tough guy?!"

Tubbo looked at Beatrice, who calmly ate an apple Tubbo had given her after he tied her lead to a fence post he placed. She looked at him in the eye, "Hmm, I'm good. Beatrice is eating."

Tommy still took that as a win, saying he was too chicken.

Sometimes, Tubbo wondered why or how the hell he and Tommy were best friends. But when he later saw Tommy dozing off, cuddling with Tobee, he smiled. A smile that held nothing but fondness. He helped the blonde to the shared tent, where they both fell asleep, cuddling and hugging one another as their bees rested in between them.

Tubbo doesn't have to wonder why they were friends for long, this was a gentle reminder.

Chapter Text

Within Miner's Valley, there were tons of shops and bars, a tavern on every street corner and a party somewhere within the town. There was a certain tavern, just like any other tavern in the valley. However, that was merely the front the people wanted them to think.

Said tavern was called The Shiny Diamond. It was a respectable bar place owned by a lovely couple and was run by a man with dark hair and diamond blue eyes.

His name was Skeppy. He was a hybrid, something he called a Diamond Golem, seeing as his left arm was made of diamonds, his right leg, and diamons poked out from his head and back. It honestly looked painful, but he didn't seem to care. Most golem hybrids were like that, with iron sticking out or limbs replaced with iron. Instead of iron, though, Skeppy had diamonds.

Anyways, he ran the tavern side of The Shiny Diamond, he was the main barkeep who made any and everyone drinks (as long as they were of age), took orders, provided food, etc. He was a normal man running a respectable and humble tavern. It wasn't the most popular tavern, but it was great with the locals. It made a steady income and was moderately peaceful enough for Skeppy to enjoy. Minus the occasionaly bar fights that came and went, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. If it was too much to handle, which it rarely ever was, he'd simply call his partner for help to break things up.

Skeppy always had to hold back a loving sigh at the thought of his partner, BadBoyHalo, or Bad for short. He was a shadow demon, clearly strong enough to wrangle any rowdy pricks that caused any trouble in his building. He had quite the reputation with being a half demon, but he was a really sweet man. He hardly ever swore and reprimanded others for their language, he was soft with kids, just very sweet.

However, that didn't mean he was weak, seeing as he ran the other side of the business. The secret side was a private bounty hunter's information network with a slightly illegal magic shop named The Red Halo.

Bad was one of the numerous hidden informants for bounty hunters, spies, assassins, basically for anyone who wanted information on a variety of things. Bad was a smart man, and a demon, who lived for a fairly decent amount of time, so he knew a lot of things. And with knowledge came his other work; potions, magical artifacts, spellwork, etc. Bad was a demon of many talents, those talents being used to run The Red Halo.

Skeppy, at first, was fairly wary of Bad's profession. It was shady and definitely not safe, but Bad was cautious and promised Skeppy he would be careful (he also promised to keep the diamond golem safe and Skeppy would fall to his knees whenever Bad said that). Besides, he had plenty of powerful connections that he trusted with his life that helped him.

Speaking of with, two of those connections stumbled into Skeppy's tavern in the late of night, just as the diamond hybrid closed the tavern.

"Welcome back." He said dryly as Sapnap yawned and Dream closed the door behind him, locking it once more, "It's really late of you to come back. At least you didn't break a window this time." He commented as he glanced at the clock, seeing it was close to midnight. He had just started to clean up after kicking the last drunkard out of his bar.

"Blame this nimrod!" Sapnap said, irritated as Dream simply smirked back, "He wanted to come back asap and that mean riding through a few nights!" He sighed, rubbing his eyes as he yawned once more, "Where's my Gogy and Bad?"

Skeppy motioned his head towards the doorway behind his bar, "George is in the back, Bad went out to get more gunpowder." Dream dashed through the doorway, "What's with-" Sapnap followed soon after, "-him... Okay, just leave me to clean alone. Not like I needed your help." 

He sometime hated the people Bad worked with, they could be so rude and just made a mess of his bar. Just like his customers, and some of them couldn't hold their drinks. He didn't bear even glance at the table with semi-wet puke. Thankfully, it didn't take that long to clean his tavern. The Shiny Diamond wasn't small, but it also wasn't big. It was an average size with the average amount of customers. At least the front of it wasn't and Skeppy was content with that.

A whisper from the darkness alerted Skeppy as the shadows shifted around him. He rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help the fond smile as a familiar person formed from the darkest parts of his bar.

"Skeppy, I'm baaaack!" Bad sang happily as he quickly moved to wrap his arms around Skeppy's waist, nuzzling into his neck, "I found a ton of mushrooms while I was out, both the delicious and dangerous kind!" He smiled brightly as he stared at his human.

"Nice, I'll take the dangerous kind, please!" Skeppy teased, giggling when Bad gave him a stern look.

"No, I'm taking the dangerous kind! These are good to make blindness potions!" The demon huffed before he smiled shyly, seeming to balance awkwardly on his feet, "Take the delicious kind, I really, um... I've been really wanting your mushroom stew..."

To think such a powerful demon, one who could easily kill anyone with a snap of his finger, was shyly asking for a simple mushroom stew. He was dangerous, but not to Skeppy, never to Skeppy.

"Alright, I'll make it." Skeppy reassured with a kiss to the demon's cheek, who smiled brightly. The golem hybrid could feel the demon's tail wag happily, "Oh, yeah, Dream and Sapnap are back..." He huffed, gesturing to the door they went through.

"Oh? They're rather early, aren't they? I thought they'd be back in a few days. Wonder why they're back so early, I hope they didn't get chased out... George is already trying to lay low, having all three of them down would be a bit problematic..." Bad hummed, a thoughtful look on his face.

Skeppy shrugged, "They ran in before I could ask anything, but they didn't seem to be bothered by anything. Oh, I know, why don't you go check on them and I'll start on that mushroom soup you're craving for! Once I'm done with the rest of the bar, of course." He once again kissed Bad's cheek and the demon giggled, a loving look appearing on his face as he met the golem's eyes, "I'm almost done."

"Okay, Geppy!" Bad giggled, moving to place his own kiss on Skeppy's cheek before he left to find Dream and Sapnap.

He went through the doorway into the kitchen area. Everything upstairs was Skeppy's, but downstairs was Bad's. He placed his palm against an inconspicuous part of the wall, triggering enchanted runes and mechanisms that recgonized the demon easily. A large tile disappeared with a clunk, revealing the ladder underneath. 

Bad's ear twitched as he heard as he heard the commotion from below the ladder. He sighed as he slid down the ladder, the tile reappearing with a soft click above him.

"AHAHAHAH! HOLY SHIT, WHAT?!"

"SHUT UP, YOU BOTH ARE THE WORST!"

"Dreamy Boy's dreaming of a blo- OW! DREAM, WHAT THE FUCK?!"

"LANGUAGE!" Bad screamed as he barged onto the room with a scowl, "Just what are you muffins doing?! You guys already made Skeppy mad!"

His friends froze at his entrance and Bad sighed when he saw all three famously dangerous bounty hunters piled all over each other before they scrambled to get off one another, standing up like the grown men they are supposed to be. Sapnap was pouting and rubbing his arm as he glared at Dream, who had his arms crossed as he scowled at a wall. George was the only one smiling, despite trying to hide it.

Bad narrowed his eyes, "What's the commotion about? Also, Sapnap and Dream, you're both back early. I thought you'd be back in a couple of days. Also, please apologize to Skeppy when you see him next."

"Skeppy's always mad at us!" Sapnap argued.

"It's because he is a bit skeptical of my work and all of you. He wouldn't be upset all the time if you put in the effort to make him feel secure! Now answer my questions!"

"I-" 

Sapnap interrupted Dream with a mischievous grin, "Dream's got a crush and said crush is heading to Miner's Valley's!"

Dream gasped and covered his face as George broke down laughing.

Bad widened his eyes in shock and smiled brightly, "WHAT, REALLY?!"

Dream groaned as Sapnap began retelling all the events, his face a bright red.

~~~

"Tubbo, I think we have too much shit on us." Tommy said bluntly, looking through his entire inventory, aka everything they had in their hand.

"Oh, really, I haven't noticed." Tubbo said sarcastically as he looked through the bags upon bags upon bags of things they had.

They were camped in a cave just a few days from their intended location of Miner's Valley. Since they were in a secure cave for the moment and completely alone, they decided it it was the best to do a total inventory check, checking everything they had on hand.

This world did not have their inventory, the private space of thirty-six individual slots that can hold multiple items at a time, depending on what they were and if they were stackable. With that in mind, the people in this world made up for it with magic runes either sewn or carved into a container which could magically expand the inside of the container without effecting the outside, letting it store more than it originally could. There were limits, of course, depending on how good the rune was, how stable the container is, how heavy an item was, but it was still very impressive.

What was even more impressive was the fact that Tommy and Tubbo could use these 'spatial pouches', pouches with said runes, and store them in their inventory.

It reminded them of the sort of Shulker Boxes that came from the End in their dimension, Shulker Boxes that they actually had, though Tubbo only had two while Tommy had luckily gotten three. The boxes had been prizes from the Championships, a lot of their friends had at least one shulker box. Did shulker boxes even exist here? Did the End exist here? That aside, the point was that, ever since they had found out that they could store more shit into spatial pouches and then store said pouches into their inventory, Ender Chest and Shulker Boxes? 

They've pretty much hoarded a lot, a lot, of stuff over their journey.

They had a dedicated a Shulker Box that was filled with spatial pouches, which was Tommy's extra Shulker Box. Basically, they had way too much. Storing them wasn't the problem, it was keeping track of how much stuff they had that was a problem.

"Hey, look! More ore!" Tommy exclaimed, finding some unsmelted iron and gold in one of the pouches before going through another bag to take out a smelter and some coal to smelt, "Geez, this is ridiculous.

Tubbo chuckled, feeding Beatrice some spare wheat he had found in one of his own patches, "Yeah, no shit. We've turned into raccoons! Well, you were already a raccoon, but I used to be so organized!" He groaned before he pulled out a whole cake that was completely hard and stale, "Jesus Christ, how long has that been in there?!"

He threw it into the fire.

"OI! I AM NOT A RACCOON!" Tommy huffed, trying to ignore the gross smell of the burning stale cake.

To try to cover up the stench, he threw in some nice smelling flowers. When or why either of them picked those flowers, neither knew. It had to be recently though, seeing as they weren't withered or dry.

"RaccoonInnit."

"Shut up."

After a couple of hours, they had reorganized everything in their pouches, annoyed how much time it tool. They disposed of any rotten, stale, or bad food into the fire, chucked aside anything that seemed useless, but kept a few memorabilia. Well, a lot of memorabilia. Tubbo may have been rough when he said they had turned into raccoons. They had a lot of things and, although they could carry it all, it's just a hassle to keep track of everything when they stopped and tried to look for things.

"About damn time..." Tommy groaned, happy they finally reorganized everything. He picked up his spatial pouch and stretched, "Alright Henrick, time to move forward!"

He climbed onto his horse while Tubbo climbed onto Beatrice, once they had everything.

They continued their journey with their inventory less cluttered, more organized, and shoulders a bit lighter.

Chapter Text

"HOLY SHIT!" Tommy exclaimed as they looked forward, "Now that is a valley!"

It was huge, easily competing with some of the self made valleys back home. However, this valley was naturally formed seeing as extreme terraforming wasn't exactly a thing in this world. The city itself, within Miner's valley, was also very impressive. Tucked into the side of the valley, the city almost seemed to be slanting either up, down, or even inside the valley's side. There were a good amount of sections that were higher than others, buildings resting on massive ledges.

There were multiple entrances to the city, Tubbo and Tommy going through the east entrance, right at the bottom of the valley. From there, they marveled at how different Miner's Valley was compared to Glay S'ierre, as well as the other places they've been to.

"Woah..." The travelers breathed as they at all the sights and places they passed. 

"Okay, first thing on the agenda! Find a place for our horses! Then we can start exploring!" Tommy said as the two got of their horses, holding onto their leads as they walked.

Tommy nodded with an excited grin, "Alright, sounds like a good plan! Man, I can't wait to find Clay! He can help us around, buy us drinks, and we'll have an awesome time!"

Tommy pat Henrick's snout, feeling excited at the chance to see Clay again. It's been a full week since they last saw him! He better give them one hell of a tour (and maybe take Tommy on that date like he promised)!

Tommy raised an eyebrow at his friend, "How is he going to find us, Toms? I mean, we don't even know if he's here yet! We did leave earlier than him."

Tommy's excited and happy face turned into a frown, Tubbo biting his lip to stop himself from laughing at his now sulking friend, "Nooooo! Don't talk like that! I'm looking forward to all the shit he's going to show us and the alcohol! He better be here or we better find him fast! Otherwise, he's in for it!"

Tubbo chuckled, "Yeah, I know, you're totally looking forward to your date with him!"

"Ye- HEY! I-It's not like that!" Tommy glared at the brunette, who burst out laughing and made his cheeks red, "It's not! I-It was just a joke and- UG! Stop laughing, Tubbo! Stop it! Uggg, dammit, I hate you!" 

Neither seemed to care they were making a scene and people were looking at them, Tommy too embarrassed and Tubbo laughing too hard to notice.

Tubbo was brought to tears of laughter as Tommy began repeatedly punching his arm, "You're a bitch, you're a bitch, you're a fucking bitch, I hate you, I hate you, fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, you, you-"

"Tommy?"

"AHH!" Tommy shrieked, jumping as a familiar voice came from behind him. The young man turned around and his previously startled faced turned into a happy smile as the older blonde stood behind him, clearly amused, "CLAY!"

"Hey- WOAH!" He grunted as Tommy suddenly hugged him. It didn't hurt, of course, and Clay happily wrapped his arms around Tommy to return the hug, "Heh, hey Tommy. Hi Tubbo!" He greeted the brunette with a nod, who smiled and rubbed his arm where Tommy repeatedly punched him.

It stung, but it was so funny.

"Hello Clay! How'd you find us?" Tubbo hummed, "And how did you get here before us? Toms and I left before you!" Tommy broke the hug and nodded, giving the green eyed man a questioning look.

"I took a lot of shortcuts and I'm just that good." Clay teased with a smirk, "People who come from Glay S'ierre typically come from this entrance, so I checked whenever I had time. Also, with all of Tommy's screaming profanities, it made it easy."

Tommy's face turned red as he huffed, crossing his arms over his chest, "It's Tubbo's fault for being a bitch!" His best friend simply snickered, "See! He's still being a bitch!"

"My bad, I'm confused. How is he being a bitch?" Clay chuckled.

"I'm teasing him about your d-"

"NO REASON, HE'S JUST ANNOYING LIKE THAT!" Tommy quickly slapped his hand over his mouth, "Very annoying, super annoying, the most annoying person in the world an- EW! Oh my god, did you just fucking like my hand?! Tubbo, that's disgusting!"

Clay burst out laughing as Tubbo just giggled. It didn't seem he was going to say anymore, thank god for Tommy. Instead, their horses neighed and reminded them they were currently on the streets and needed a place to stay.

"I'll show you guys a good place for you and your horses!" Clay offered, motioning for them to follow them.

And they did, talking as they walked, Clay telling them about sops they passed and what kind of place Miner's Valley was. Originally it really was just a miner's valley, the valley was rich with ores, crystals and resources, both above and underground. The first settlers of the valley were quick to become miners, though their creativity lacked a bit as they dubbed the valley as 'Miner's Valley.' However, the name just stuck even after more and more people came to settle down, turning the settlement into a town, then to a village, and, in time, into the glorious city that it was.

The Valley was considered neutral territory, despite being so close to the Antarctic Empire's capital of Glay S'ierre. They were certainly allies, but Miner's Valley had another side to it that normal folk do know about, but don't dare talk aloud, not unless they wanted to stir up trouble. The Valley was a notorious place for bounty hunters and the like. However, hunting people was prohibited within the valley. Anything else was fair game, information, items, animals, etc.

Miner's Valley doubled unofficially as Hunter's Valley.

However, Dream, or Clay, didn't tell Tommy and Tubbo that. Not all of it, at least. He simply warned them about the potential trouble they could get into, warned them of certain parts of the city and which phrases to watch out for. They were there for a good time, so they shouldn't get mixed up into trouble, not if they wanted to lay low.

After finding an inn with a nice stable, Tubbo, Tommy, and Clay went to get something to eat for dinner, Clay insisting on treating them once more.

"You're too nice, Clay, seriously!" Tommy smiled as Clay lead them to a nice bar with good food, "Someone's going to end up taking advantage of you and you're gonna regret it!" He teased.

Clay winked at him with a sly smile, "Well, I wouldn't mind if you took advantage of me, wouldn't regret it one bit either!" He smiled more as Tommy grew flustered, looking away, "Anyway, I hope you guys have a great time in Miner's Valley! I want you to enjoy your time here!"

Tommy smiled, still blushing and ignoring Tubbo's fake gagging.

~~~

"So, that's him?"

"Yep, that's him, Dream's little lovebird~!"

If Dream could, he would tell Sapnap to shut the fuck up. However, right now, Tommy was sitting right next to him, Tubbo across from them both, and they were enjoying a nice meal together.

"Well, I wil admit, he's kind of cute."

Oh, definitely, but Dream had his eyes on him first.

"Ouch, Gogy! I didn't know you felt like that! Maybe you should go after him instead! Oh, but be careful, Dreamy will get jealous, he did call dibs!"

"Oh, shut up. I'm not going after Dream's cute savior when I have a cute panda!"

"Yay!"

He hates them both, he swears he does. He's going to kill them both.

They forced him to wear the transmission piercings they usually used only for shared hunts together, just so they could tease him from afar. He couldn't even tell them to shut up, not when Tommy and Tubbo were here. At least they're keeping their promise to stay away.

For now.

Dream listened to Tommy and Tubbo's trip, once again in complete awe with their luck and skill. They had managed to escape Technoblade not long after leaving Glay S'ierre. He knows how hard it is to escapre the hybrid general, the man was fierce and, frankly, Dream was now worried for them if Technoblade is after Tubbo.

"There is no way THESE two managed to get away from Technoblade!"

"I know right?! I mean, Tubbo managed to beat the general!"

"I watched the recordings and all, but holy shit! These two are seriously no joke!"

"Definitely not, and LANGUAGE, George!"

Dream jumped at the sudden third voice that came from nowhere.

"Clay? You okay, what was that?" Tommy asked, concerned.

"N-Nothing, nothing! Y-You guys mentioned weapons and I was trying to remember if I accidentally left my sword on the cooling rack or if it's still in the furnace! I just jumped at the idea of going home to a burned house!"

Tommy nodded seeming to believe it with a chuckle, "Well, hopefully it's not burned down!"

"I-I'm sure we would hear about it if it was!" Dream chuckled as well, "Keep going about what happened!"

Tommy gave him a concerned look, but smiled and continuing explaining. It made Dream happy to know he was worried about him.

"Nice save, Dream. Also, BAD!"

"Holy shi- shoot, Bad! Don't scare us like that!"

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you! Sorry Dream!"

Dream nodded, knowing they could see him. He simply played it off as listening to Tommy talk about how he had to hide in the trees and quickly find the slowness potions that lasted longer. He smiled, Tommy was just so impressive and smart, he felt so warm standing beside him!

"Awww, Dreeeeeam! You look adorable when you're looking at Tommy! Look at the smile!"

"Pffft, adorable! Haha!"

"Dream and Tommy, sitting in a tree!"

"K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" The three sung in unison, making the warmth disappear.

"I'll be right back, you two!" Dream said, getting out of the booth, "I need to use the restroom! Hopefully our food will be here when I come back! Don't eat any of my fries!"

"No promises!" Tommy teased as he left to the bathroom.

"Uh oh, think we made him mad."

"He's fine, he just wants to talk to his besties~!"

"Mhmm!"

After checking the bathroom and making sure he was alone, he grabbed his necklace and hissed into it, "I hate all of you! What is wrong with you three, why are you doing this?!"

"Because it's fun!" "Because we love you!"

Dream pinched his temples with a groan, "You guys are the worst friends, I swear to god."

"Yeah right, we're your best friends! Ain't that right, Gogy~?"

"You're nothing without us, Dreamy Poo~! Besides, this is what you get for being so charming. We could've hunted you down, but you said no! Suffer the consequences!"

"Yeah!"

Dream didn't regret making them his friends, they were awesome friends, but he does regret putting on the transmission piercing.

"Hey, Dream? There's something you need to know about those two..."

The blonde widened his eyes and straightened at the semi-serious tone, "What? What is it? Is it bad?! Please tell me it's not something really bad! Like, they're not setting off your 'evil senses' or whatever! They're both great, Tommy especially!" At least, he truly hoped and believed so. If Bad told him he should stay away from Tommy, that he was dangerous, he would be so upset and disappointed and heartbroken.

"Huh? Oh, no no! They're good people as far as I can tell, I'm not getting anything bad off them! Just that they're a bit mischievous, but so are George and Sapnap! But, there's just... mmm, something off about these two? They just have a stranger aura... Nothing bad, promise! I'm just not sure, it's just strange. Like those golden apples! They're not bad, but they're strange! Just keep an eye on them, kay?"

"Oh, Dream'll definitely keep an eye on them! Especially Tommy!"

Whatever seriousness tension was there was gone in an instant because of Sapnap, "Sapnap, shut the fuck up. You're not wrong, but still, kindly fuck off."

"LANGUAGE, DREAM!"

"Ooooo, Dream got language'd from Baaaaad~!"

"What are you George, five?"

"Speaking of golden apples, can you ask them how they make it? It's really interesting and I want to know how to make them myself! The healing properties are outstanding!"

"I don't know if I can ask them, but I'll keep it in mind."

"Ask them about their Netherite weapons! Ask how they got them and if they have more!"

"Sapnap, I am not asking Tommy for Netherite."

"I didn't say you should ask him for netherite. He could probably just give it to you without any questions, he gave you diamond."

"He gave me a diamond sword."

"And? He gave you a diamond sword and a shit ton of magical healing gold apples. He'll clearly give you whatever the hell you want just as you'll give him whatever he wants."

"Language, Sapnap!"

"Oh my god, he's your sugar daddy! You're both each other's sugar daddies and babies!"

"GEORGE WHAT?"

"HAHAHAHA GEORGE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH THAT'S GREAT!"

"I mean, he's not that wrong?"

"I hate you guys so much. That's it. I'm taking the earring off!"

"No, haha! No, no Dream don't-" "Don't take it off!" "We'll behave, please don't!"

"Fine I won't! But you guys have to shut up about that!" Dream warned, "Ugh, I have to go. I'm spending too much time here in the bathroom."

He hated them so much. At least Tommy was there to cheer him up when he came back. A simple smile from Tommy made Dream smile and immediately brighten his mood. He ignored George, Bad, and Sapnap as much as he could and enjoyed his meal with Tubbo and Tommy.

Chapter Text

"Man, that was so good!" Tommy cheered as they walked out of the small bar.

Clay smiled, "I'm glad you liked it. After all, I did pay, and I only want to pay for good things for you."

Tommy flushed a bit before regaining his composure, "O-Of course you do, I am the best, after all."

"Mhmmm, sure..." Tubbo hummed, munching on a cookie as Tommy and Clay jumped, both forgetting about him, "Yep, still here." He teased.

"S-Shut up! You're annoying!" Tommy pushed his friend.

Tubbo laughed, "Well, I've seen a lot and I'm still trying to recover from Technoblade following us-" 

"You." Clay and Tommy said in unison, fist bumping for having the same joke, snickering as Tubbo blushed and glared.

"Following me," Tubbo corrected with an eye roll huff, "and I kinda want to rest. Maybe take care of Beatrice and Henrick. Not to mention, the sun is close to being fully set, so I'm off. You guys have fun on your date!"

Before Tommy could punch his shoulder, Tubbo ran off. 

The blonde huffed, speaking to his friend with a groan, "I'm sorry, Clay... He's so annoying..."

"It's fine." Clay chuckled, seeming to wince at something.

"You okay?"

"I-I'm fine! Sorry!" Clay rubbed his ear, "My earring is just bothering me."

"Well, why don't you take it off?"

The two continued walking, not really going anywhere, just walking.

"I would love to, but I promised my best friend I would wear it."

"Best friend?" Tommy hummed.

"Yeah, he's annoying like Tubbo." The older blonde chuckled.

Tommy nodded before an idea came to his head, "Hey, you promised to buy me drinks, right? Why don't we go get some?" He smiled brightly, "You gotta show me the best drinks!"

Clay blinked before he seemed to smirk. He wrapped his arm around Tommy's shoulder, smiling, "I know the perfect place! The Shiny Diamond!"

***

"Shiiiiiiiiiiit!" 

"Sapnap, language!"

Dream held back a laugh as he heard his friends scrabbling on, what he assumed to be, a roof.

"Dream, you're an asshole!"

"Language, George! Even if it's true!"

"Never thought Bad would agree with a swear!"

"Hurry up, muffinhead! We have to get back to the bar before them and tell Skeppy!"

"'The Shiny Diamond?'" Tommy chuckled, "What, is it run by a diamond?"

"Eh, kind of." Dream shrugged.

"...Wait, really?"

"Mhmm! The owner is dating one of my other friends, who also owns the place! It's a fifty-fifty business, ya know." The bounty hunter explained, "You see, my friend is a shadow demon and he owns more of the paperwork business. His boyfriend is a diamond golem hybrid."

"Diamond golem?"

"Kind of like an iron golem, but with diamonds instead."

"Woah, I've never heard of them!" Tommy exclaimed, clearly amazed. His eyes even seemed to light up and, god dammit, he looked so cute.

Dream smiled, "Diamond and gold golems are incredibly rare, but not impossible to have. Hybrids are even rarer. You probably never heard of them before because, well, like I said, rare."

"Wow, that's so cool!" The younger blonde giggled, jumping up and down excitedly, "Can I meet him?!"

And if that wasn't the cutest thing he's ever seen, Dream didn't know what was cute.

"Sure. Though, he's not really a big fan of me..."

"Why not? You're amazing!" 

Both boys blushed and Tommy smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly.

Dream wanted to kiss him, but didn't, "T-Thank you, um... well, he doesn't like me or my best friends. He thinks we're bad influences on him."

"Really? How could you be a bad influence? You're so nice and cool and handsome and-" Realizing what he was saying, he stopped and his face flushed darkly, "-a-and I'll stop, you get my point!"

"No, no, I'm a bit confused, keep going!" Dream teased.

The other pushed him playfully, screaming profanities as he pushed the bounty hunter. Dream laughed and wrapped his arm around Tommy's shoulder, smiling as he leaned closer. He placed a gentle kiss on Tommy's cheek, the other gasping and holding his cheek.

"S-Sorry, I-"

Tommy playfully glared, "If you're going to kiss me to shut me up, you should do it on the lips." He smirked and Dream was pretty sure he forgot how to breathe.

"...Can I?"

The two stopped in their tracks, looking each other in their eyes, lime green meeting ocean blue. Tommy hesitantly wrapped his arms around Dream's neck, the bounty hunter placing his hands on the younger's hips.

Tommy leaned forward, smiling softly, "Y-Yeah."

Dream leaned forward, catching Tommy's lips in his owns. The bounty hunter moved his hand to Tommy's cheek, cupping the younger's face in his. Tommy moved closer to the other, both letting out a small moan.

"Oooooh~ Get him Dream!"

The blonde ignored him. He didn't care about his friends teasing him. He had a beautiful young blonde man who saved him a few months ago in his arms.

They pulled back, both staring into one another's eyes.

Tommy smiled, so happy in Dream's arms and, fuck, the bounty hunter wanted him so badly, "T-That... That was really good..."

"Y-Yeah..."

The two chuckled at their awkwardness.

"S-So, ahem-" The bounty hunter fake coughed, "-d-drinks?"

"Drinks." Tommy giggled.

The two pulled away and held hands, smiling and giggling as they began to walk to The Shiny Diamond.

~~~

Technoblade made it to the town halfway to Miney's Valley in one day. Carl had amazing stamina and Techno was determined. 

Nothing could stop him from getting his Lava Bee.

"A-Ah, General Technoblade!" The guards standing outside the town bowed, "An honor to see you, sir!"

"Where are your stables? My horse needs rest and I also wish for a break." Techno asked, getting off of Carl. He pet the horse's brown snout, earning a huff.

"This way, sir!" One of the guards led the way.

Everyone bowed and got out of his way when needed, Technoblade occasionally nodding his head or giving a slight wave. They got to the stables and Techno led Carl inside the building. He noticed two of the horse stalls were empty, raising an eyebrow. He helped Carl into one of the empty one, removing the diamond horse armor to give Carl a break. The horse let out a happy neigh, nuzzling Techno's neck, the general chuckling and petting him.

He fed the horse before he went to leave, "We'll start moving when the sun rises. Be sure to get some sleep, friend."

Carl let out a huff and  Techno left the stables. He then went inside the small motel beside the stables, the man bowing.

"Welcome, General Technoblade." The owner greet, "It's a' honor to have ye here."

Techno nodded, "I noticed two of your horse stalls are empty."

"Aye, two young men came an' bought 'em!" The man nodded, "Paid in gol' nuggets! Good lads!"

"'Two young men?'" Techno widened his eyes, "Was there a blonde and brunette? The blonde a few inches taller? Both have blue eyes? The blonde is loud and obnoxious while the brunette a lot more polite?"

"Yes sir! I believe their names were.... ah! Tommy an' Tubbo! I remember 'em jokin' around!"

Technoblade eyes' widened more before he smirked, chuckling, "Well, thank you. I'm actually looking for them right now, and knowing they have horses is a big advantage."

"I see. If ye don't mind me askin', did they do somethin' wrong?"

"No, no, not at all! King Philza and I simply have an interest in them."

"I see, I see. Well, I do have yer room ready."

"Thank you." Techno took out silver to pay, a happy smirk on his face.

I'm coming for you, Lava Bee.

Chapter Text

Dream and Tommy eventually got to The Shiny Diamond, the bounty hunter leading him to the bar. They sat down, waiting patiently for a bartender to come up to them so they could order drinks.

"Ah, there you are, Clay." Tommy widened his eyes at the sight of Skeppy, making Dream chuckle, "Bad told me you'd come by soon. He also want's the earring back, saying he knows how much it bothers you. He also talked to Nick about it, so no need to loose out on your bet, or whatever."

Nick? Oh, Sapnap. Dream took off the earring, "Thanks, Skeppy. Tall Bad I said thanks."

"Yeah, yeah. No problem." Skeppy took it before he looked at Tommy, smiling, "So, you're the one I've heard so much about! You're boyfriend has done nothing by praised you!"

"B-Boyfriend?!" "I-It's not like that!" Both blondes blushed darkly, Tommy facing away from Skeppy.

"Oh, sorry. I thought-" Skeppy laughed awkwardly, "S-Sorry! I really didn't mean it! How about a drink? On the house! Anything you want?"

Tommy cleared his throat and looked at Dream, laughing awkwardly, "W-Why don't you pick? You know this place better!"

Dream couldn't get enough of Tommy's smile.

~~~

"Two of your Special Diamonds!" Clay ordered with a smile.

"Going expensive because it's free, huh?" Skeppy rolled his eyes, looking at Tommy with a smile, "You're not allergic to anything, are you?"

"No, why?" Tommy asked. Was there something magical in the drinks?

"Well, not only is the drink fruity, but I add something to it to make it magical." Skeppy smirked.

Tommy nodded, "What's in it?" No way was he putting something in his body that he didn't know what it was.

"Rum, usually pineapple, Blue Curaçao, Pinapple Juice, Creme de coconut, and lemon juice. It's made just like a Blue Hawaiian, but I add something to it. Not gonna tell you what though, as it's a secret! Completely harmless, promise."

"Okay. That sounds good."

Skeppy smiled and left to get a tall glass. He places them in front of the two blondes and made the drink. Once he finished pouring the drinks, he took out some garnish. He sprinkled what looked to be small black seeds into the drink, which floated around the drinks, looking like small minerals. Finally, Skeppy poured some sort of darker blue liquid on top of the drink.

Tommy went to grab it, but Clay shook his head. He hummed but continued watching Skeppy. The diamond golem then used a lighter and lit the drink up. Tommy gasped as the black seeds seemed popped, the darker liquid lighting on fire. Clay chuckled at his reaction, the boy huffing and playfully pushing Clay.

Skeppy, once the small fire was out, placed the drinks in front of the boys, "There you go! Two Special Diamonds on the house!"

Someone then called him and he excused himself, going to make other drinks.

Tommy stared at the drinks. The black seed things seemed to be little white spots in the drink, looking like the drink was shining.

"Pretty, right?" Dream took a sip of the drink, "Really good too."

Tommy nodded with a hum as he drank his own. When he pulled away, he sighed happily, "Man, I'm a sucker for fruity drinks!"

"Really?"

"Surprised?"

"Well, I figured you liked more hard liquor drinks."

Tommy chuckled, "I love those drinks too, but I can't have too much. Otherwise, you'd have to carry me home!"

Clay chuckled as well, "I'm more of a shots guy, to be honest. Not a big fan of cocktails."

The two kept talking, finishing their cocktail and moving to shots. Dream ordered and paid for them, mainly because he promised but also because he got a discount. Not from Skeppy, from Bad.

Tommy downed his shot, "Alright, that's my last one!" He giggled, whistling, "Y-Yeah, I'm drunk!"

Clay chuckled, "Can you stand or walk?"

"I-I can, I think..." Tommy giggled, "Maybe!"

Clay let out an awkward laugh, "I-I don't think so."

"Yes I can, watch me!"

Tommy stood up, Clay behind him. Tommy tried to take a few steps, but accidentally tripped over his own feet and bumped into someone. Clay helped him stand, the boy giggling.

"T-Tommy, are you okay?!"Clay asked as the man he bumped into turned around, "Sorry man, he's-"

The man went to punch Clay, who immediately caught his fist. Even if tipsy, he could still fight. Meanwhile, Tommy was cuddling into his shoulder, laughing.

"Y-You-" The drunk man glared, stumbling over his words and hiccuping in between, "Y-You BITCH! M-M'gonna k-k-kick your a-ass-"

"Enough." Skeppy got in between them, "Dr- Clay, you and Tommy go to your room. I'll handle this."

Tommy giggled as Clay carried him to a certain door. He hugged the other, giggling as the other took him... somewhere? He couldn't tell you where, he wasn't paying attention.

~~~

"Hmmm..." Tubbo looked out the window, "...Where is Toms? Did he and Clay get caught up on their date?" He shrugged, "Whatever, not my business."

He used the yellow crystal to summon bees to fly around him as he continue reading. While reading, one of his bees landed on his map. Tubbo giggled before he noticed something.

On it were three dots. Two were in Miner's Valley, another in the town they got their horses from. Tubbo picked up the map and noticed the dots disappeared once the bee was off of it.

"Come here." He cooed, on of the bees landing on the map again. There was a green dot in the hotel he was staying in, "...That's me. Then that's Tommy. But, then... oh no..."

He and Tommy needed to run.

"We'll run tomorrow. Seems Pretty Man stopped moving." Tubbo chuckled, waving his hand, the bees disappearing, "For now, we gotta rest. And I'll let Tommy have some fun."

The brunette young man then laid back and began to fall asleep.

Chapter Text

"Enough." Skeppy got in between them, "Dr- Clay, you and Tommy go to your room. I'll handle this."

Tommy giggled as Clay carried him to a certain door. He hugged the other, giggling as the other took him... somewhere? He couldn't tell you where, he wasn't paying attention. He was placed on a bed and hummed. He was still coherent, but it seemed he couldn't walk nor could he form proper sentences.

"Hey, you okay?" Clay asked.

Tommy nodded, "I'm good." He smiled, "S-Sorry about that... S-Seems I'm drunker than I thought..."

"It's fine." Clay reassured, covering him with the blanket, "You rest here. The bathroom is through that door. You can take a shower tomorrow morning, if you want."

"Wh-What about you?" Tommy questioned.

"I'll sleep on the floor-"

Before the other could move, Tommy grabbed Clay's wrist and pulled him down. He pressed his lips on the other's, Clay widening his eyes, face turning a bright red. Tommy pulled the other closer, hand resting in the other's blonde locks, Clay kissing back.

Tommy pulled back, both panting slightly, "Sleep with me?"

"O-Okay..." Clay squeaked out, the other giggling.

"God, you're so hot." Tommy giggled, letting go of the other and covering his face, "PHEW! Yeah, I'm drunk! I-I mean, I meant what I said, I-I just get a lot more impulsive and stuff when I'm drunk!"

"You're fine." The green eyed blonde smiled, stroking his cheek and kissing him gently, "Let's go to bed." He moved and laid next to the other before the blue eyed male straddled his hips, "T-Tommy-"

Tommy kissed Clay once more. Clay, of course, kissed back. It started off innocent enough, but the younger man began trying to deepen the kiss, opening his mouth for Clay to do what he wanted.

Clay hesitantly pulled back, "T-Tommy, I can't-"

"Why not?" The young man huffed, glaring slightly.

"I-I just... you're drunk and you'll probably regret this in the morning-"

"First off, I'm not drunk enough to not give consent. If I didn't want this or I want to stop, I will be able to let you know. You got to watch out for when I'm sloppy drunk, cause then I'm even more giggly, clingy, and ready to pass the fuck out." Tommy chuckled, "Right now, my brain's a bit fuzzy and I don't really know where I am, but I can tell you're Clay, i trust you, and I do have a small crush on you and don't mind doing this."

Clay blushed, his whole face a bright red, unable to stop himself from covering it with one hand.

"Hehe, you can tell I'm coherent when I speak my mind more than usual and giggle a lot! S-Sorry if this is awkward, I can sleep on the floor if I made you uncomfortable-"

This time, Clay interrupted him. But he interrupted the younger man with a kiss, Tommy immediately melting into it, "I don't mind doing this. I also like you. It's just... well, what if you're only doing this cause you're drunk? What if you regret it?"

"I'll only regret it if I don't remember it!"

Clay snorted at the other, who giggled.

Tommy's face turned pink, "Sooooo... we doin' this?"

"Hmmm..." Clay pretended to be in thought, Tommy rolling his eyes. The green eyed male smirked, tugging on his shirt, "Why don't you take this off and I'll think about it."

"Yes sir~!" Tommy joked, doing as he was told.

~~~

The sun was shining through the blinds, hitting his face. He squinted, not happy with them. His eyes opened, blonde lashes fluttering open to revel blue eyes. He felt an arm draped around his waist, making him turn. When he and Tubbo cuddled (platonically, of course!), he was usually the one draping his arm over his best friend.

Tommy's eyes met the peaceful sleeping face of Clay, who hugged him tightly, protectively, making him smile. He carefully got out of the other's grasp, wincing at the pain in his lower back. He blushed at the memory of last night, but smiled.

As if I would regret that! Tommy went into the bathroom, washing his face and using his hands to comb his hair before actually using it to go to the bathroom, Damn, Clay! You're way too good at that! He washed his hands before finally going back to the room, the other blonde hugging a pillow and drooling slightly.

"Cute..." Tommy chuckled, leaning down and kissing him gently.

He then began getting dressed, having to walk around the room to find all his clothes, seeing as when you threw your clothes in random directions, you tended to not know where they landed.

He finally found his shirt and widened his eyes when he realized it was covering something.

A white mask with a black happy face, a green ribbon used to hold it.

"Dream..." He whispered, eyes wide, in shock.

Tommy quickly put on the rest of his clothes and went around, making sure he hadn't left anything. He quickly put on his socks and shoes, found a notepad and pencil, and wrote a note. He then quickly left the room, trying desperately not to pass out from the shock as he realized I JUST SLEPT WITH DREAM! DREAM IS CLAY, CLAY IS DREAM, I JUST SLEPT WITH HIM!!!

He somehow made it to the kitchen, confused.

"Ah, you're awake." 

Tommy turned, "...Skeppy."

"I have a feeling you found his mask." Skeppy hummed, the diamond golem seeming to be polishing his arm and leg, "Guess we don't have to call him 'Clay Vayase' anymore."

"Clay Vayase..." Tommy blinked, "I-Is Dream..."

"'Faceless' Bounty Hunter Dream, anyone who sees his face doesn't live to tell the story." Skeppy confirmed, finishing his polishing.

"...W-Why? Why didn't he-"

"He tell you? Because he was faceless." Skeppy hummed, "I don't like him. Don't like George or Sapnap either. They're really bad influences on Bad. However, I tolerate them and, although I would never say it to their faces, they are good people. Dream... Dream doesn't make friends easy, simply because he grew up in a place people would take what he deserved. It's why he became a bounty hunter. People took things from him, so he's taking things from them. Things they can never get back." He sighed, looking at Tommy, who was staring at him. The boy was hugging himself, a look of confusion mixed with sympathy on his face, "When Dream met you... you were saving just a random guy. You didn't want anything from him. You did it out of the kindness of your heart. Only people who did that for him is Bad, George, Sapnap, and myself. Then when he started buying you things, you told him to stop. You didn't want him to spend a bunch of money on you. He never had that. No one has ever told him to stop buying them free stuff."

"I-I didn't know him."

"Does it make a difference now?"

Tommy widened his eyes, "O-Of course, he's Dream-"

"Would you have saved him if he had the mask on? When his arm was broken? When he was dying from poisoning? When those people were going to chop his head off and hand it to someone on a silver platter? Would you have stopped simply because of a mask?"

"I-" The blonde stopped himself, "...no... no I wouldn't. Because he needed help, with or without the mask."

Skeppy hummed, nodding, "So why is it different now? You met him as Clay Vayase, sure. But now that you know he's Dream, that doesn't mean the time you spent together was fake. The name was fake, not the feelings."

Tommy hesitated, "...Why... Why are you telling me this?"

"Because... I went through that too." Skeppy threw a picture at him.

The blonde caught it easily. He looked down and saw a younger Skeppy with a human with bright green eyes, black glasses resting on his nose, light brown hair. The human had a jacket with a black hood, small demon horns poking out.

"That's Bad."

Tommy widened his eyes and looked at Skeppy, "Bad?!"

"You've met him?" Skeppy questioned.

"U-Um, no, someone similar. T-Their nickname is Bad." Good save, Tommy.

Skeppy nodded, "I met Bad as Darryl, an injured human looking for a place to stay and heal. We... we fell in love and, after a year, he was hunted by the bounty hunters who hurt him. That day, I found out he was a shadow demon and... I got scared. I pushed him away, told him to never come back, that I was hurt." The diamond golem threw him another pictured, Tommy catching it. It was a picture of a more modern Skeppy with Bad in his real form, "But when he was gone... I was even more hurt. I apologize for pushing him away and Bad hugged me tightly, saying he was sorry for lying. You want to know why he did it, though?"

Tommy nodded.

"He was scared of my reaction." 

The blonde widened his eyes.

"He knew I would react terribly. And I did." He sighed, "But we got past that. We're still together, we still loved each other. Whether he's a human or demon, he's mine, and I will cherish him."

Tommy nodded, putting the pictures down.

"What're you going to do?"

"I... I need time to think. Can... Can you tell him something for me...?"

"Sure."

"...Tell him I had a good time." The blonde smiled before he left.

~~~

"Tubbo, wake up!"

The brunette groaned, pushing him back, "Go away, Tommy..."

"TUBBO! I SLEPT WITH DREAM!"

"WHAT?!" Tubbo fell out of his bed and groaned, "Geez, fuck you Tommy. Making up stupid lie-"

"Clay is Dream." Tommy threw the brunette's bag at him, "We're leaving."

"Wait, wait, wait!" Tubbo sat up, "What do you mean 'Clay is Dream'?! What did you do?!"

"I'll explain on the way! Come on, get dressed, get Henrick, get Beatrice, we need to GO!"

Chapter Text

Dream woke up holding a pillow. He hummed and sat up, rubbing his eyes and ignoring the hangover. He looked around and noticed Tommy was gone. He thought about the possibility of him being in the bathroom, but the door was open. But he was gone, his clothes were gone.

He grew concerned, looking around and seeing a note, taking it.

Hey, it's me! So, I found your mask... Which isn't a big deal! We all gotta make money somehow (now I know how you got your money yourself, rich boy)! Tubbo just called me desperately and said Techno is on our tail and we need to get out asap! I'm hoping sure we'll me again! Especially since last night was AMAZING!

But, yeah, sorry for leaving abruptly, Dream (aka, Clay).

- Tommy

P.S I don't regret it ;)

Dream blushed and practically jumped off the bed. He got dressed, shoving the note in one of his bags and grabbing his mask, running downstairs.

"He said he had a good time."

Dream stopped in the kitchen, seeing Skeppy washing dishes.

"...You talked to him?! Where is he going?!"

"No clue."

"WHAT!? Skeppy, I need to-"

"Leave him alone for a bit." Skeppy faced him, "Dream, he needs time to think."

Dream clenched his fists, raging building up inside him. He screamed as he punched a hole in the wall. Skeppy watched, unamused as Dream punched the whole, over, and over, and over, and over.

"You done?" Skeppy asked once the blonde finally calmed down from his tantrum.

"Why...?" Dream growled, "Why didn't you stop him?! You know about my past, you know I-"

"Dream, he likes you."

The blonde stopped, standing up straight and looking at the other, "...What do you mean...?"

"Like I said, I know your past. I didn't tell him everything, I told him your reasoning for hiding your real identity." Skeppy explained, sitting on the counter, "Your past is full of people using you for their own gain or using you to get what they want. I've known Tommy for, what, a few hours? And I can tell he truly likes you. He doesn't want anything from you. He's just... confused. I mean, think about it. If you found out the person you had been crushing on and you slept with was actually one of the most famous bounty hunters, how would you feel."

"....Terrible. Confused. ....Angry."

"Tommy was confused. He wasn't angry, didn't feel awful, nothing." Skeppy smiled at him, "Dream, he told me that, if you had your mask on that day, he would still have saved you because you needed help. He just needs time to think. Trust me, I have a feeling he wants you to run after him. That's what Techno is doing to his little friend, right?"

"...Then why did you stop me?"

"Catch."

Dream did so easily. He widened his eyes, "A locator diamond- wait, how did-"

Skeppy showed off his diamond arm, a carved hole in it, same size and shape of the diamond the blonde held in his hand, "I got into a fight with a patron." He winked.

Dream blinked and smiled, "Of course. I was a witness." He winked back, "Can't go around thinking Skeppy likes me."

"You've been in my kitchen too long, you better hurry if you want to catch up to him."

"...Skeppy?" The brunette hummed as the blonde hugged the diamond to his chest, "Thank you... I mean it."

Skeppy smiled, "Your welcome... even if it was only cause I got in a fight."

"Right." Dream chuckled, fixing his mask and running out.

The brunette hummed, "You can come out now!" Arms wrapped around his waist as someone (or a certain demon) appeared behind him from his shadow, "...You heard."

"Didn't mean to eavesdrop, I just heard you speaking with Dream, having a heart to heart." Bad grabbed his arm, "...That hurts a lot, right?" He pointed it to the hole, "Why? I thought you didn't like them?"

"I don't. But Dream and Tommy are idiots. It's why I'm helping them, they like each other, so get together. ...Also because if Tommy makes him a better person, maybe I'll start liking him cause he has a good influence."

"I wouldn't be so sure. He has a mischievous aura." Bad teased.

"Fuck."

"Language, Geppy~!" 

The two chuckled and kissed one another gently.

~~~

Techno arrived in Miner's Valley early morning, the only thing on his mind was seeing his Lava Bee. While Carl gently walked down the path, Techno kept his eyes open, looking and noticing every little movement. He needed to find him, he would find him.

He saw a flash of green and looked, seeing someone running across the roofs of the buildings and houses. Techno glared and kicked Carl's side, the horse's walk turning into a light jog. He followed the person outside the small town, Carl running once Techno nudged his side once more.

The masked person turned but, before he could run away, Techno had jumped off Carl and pinned the other down, sword to his neck.

"Stay away from Tubbo." Techno growled.

The masked person was confused, he could tell by the silence.

Techno took out the image Eret had created, "The Antarctic Empire's seer had used this to help me find Tubbo and, in case you couldn't tell, you're there, Dream." He hissed, "I'm not here to arrest you, I'm here for Tubbo."

"...Tommy."

Techno narrowed his eyes, "What?"

"I'm after Tommy." Dream said, "Tubbo's cool, but he's a friend. I'm not going to hurt him, not if I want Tommy."

"....You..." Techno loosened his grip, "...you're not on a job? Not hunting either of them...?"

"If I was, I would be traveling at night so this sort of thing doesn't happen. Only reason I'm wearing my mask is so, if I need to, I can get rid of other hunters who might be after mine, or my friends', bounties." Dream explained, "I can help you."

Techno glared but, before he could say anything, Dream threw him off. Techno growled and held his sword, but Dream stopped him.

The blonde held up a diamond, one that was glowing red, small specks of blue coming off of it.

Techno widened his eyes, "A locator diamond? How-"

"A friend of mine. It's currently tracking Tommy and, if you want Tubbo, it'll help us find him as well. Not sure if you noticed, but both are inseparable."

Techno hesitated, "...You lay a hand on Tubbo and I will kill you."

"Same goes for Tommy."

The two stood up and, reluctantly, their partnership began.

~~~

Tommy and Tubbo eventually set up camp. Apparently, in their desperation to get away, they actually went the wrong way and ended up far away from any town, village, or whatever you want to call it. They were in the woods, setting up camp. They had dug a small hole, rocks around the fire so the flames didn't get too high, both sitting by the fire as they ate dinner.

Suddenly, the blonde felt eyes on him, turning to look at his smirking friend.

"Not. A. Word." Tommy hissed at his best friend.

The brunette giggled, giving him a very amused look from the other side of the campfire. They had to keep the fire low, as they didn't want to get caught when they had ran for pretty much the whole day. Poor Beatrice and Henrick were exhausted.

Tommy huffed, feeding his horse, the animal giving a small snort of appreciation, "Stop that. I don't want to hear a fucking peep from you."

"Dream is flirting with you! You slept with him! And he's flirting with you!" His best friend laughed, laying on the ground, his chin in his hands as he giggled.

"Tubbo, I don't want to hear shit when you flirted and made out with The BLADE!" Tommy yelled, glaring and making Tubbo blush darkly.

"F-For the last time, I didn't know it was him! He looks so pretty, not like a fucking pig! How was I suppose to know Technoblade was not a pig when we grew up with him as a pig!"

"Well, 'Pretty Man,' as you so called him, certainly wants to sleep with you-"

"Yeah, well Dream wants to sleep with you again! I'm not the only one being chased now!" Tubbo declared, as if he was triumphant in this petty argument they were having.

"Shut up, Tubbo! I hate you!" Tommy groaned, putting his face in his hands.

"Yeah, yeah. Love you too, Toms." Tubbo laid down on his makeshift sleeping bag, "...We gotta put the fire out soon and figure out what the hell we're suppose to do..."

"You're telling me." Tommy also laid down, "I've been flirting with an alternate version of a guy who wants nothing more than to kill me!"

"Same here, except the guy I like is an alternate version of someone who's basically your older brother."

"This is the wooooorst."

"For real..."

Beatrice whined, Tubbo feeding her once more. Tommy put out the campfire, simply resting some torches around their camp. They fell asleep, both dreaming about their encounters with Dream and Techno.

Chapter Text

Tubbo often woke up before the sun rose. He groaned as he woke up, sitting up. Beatrice's ears twitched and she opened her eyes, looking at the other.

"Go back to sleep, beautiful." Tubbo smiled, petting her snout.

She puffed and closed her eyes, the brunette smiling. Tubbo sniffed his shirt and his face scrunched up, not liking the smell. A shower was in order. He sat up and grabbed his bag and went towards the lake nearby. He hummed as he removed his clothes, getting in.

Tubbo hummed, mind wandering. He was just thinking about how different the last few months had been. Five, maybe sixth, months ago, they were traveling around the SMP Lands, then one mess up made them end up here, and now they were being chased by alternate versions of Tommy's brother and a masked man who doesn't exactly have the best relationship with them.

But he missed it. He missed home, he missed his other friends, he missed everything from their world. Will we ever get home...? Tubbo thought, getting out of the lake. He dried himself off before putting on new clothes. He wore a yellow and black sweater with overalls over it, matching bee themed sneakers to complete his outfit. He went to go back to where Tommy was before he heard heavy hooves running towards him.

Quickly, Tubbo jumped into the trees, staying silent. If it was Techno, the hybrid would find him quickly, no way would he fall for the same trick twice.

"Tubs?!" Tommy, on Henrick and pulling Beatrice behind him, yelled, "Tubs, where are you?!"

Tubbo jumped down on the saddle, startling Beatrice. He quickly soothed her before he looked at his best friend, "Geez, Tommy, you scared the-"

"Follow me!" Tommy kicked Henrick's side, who neighed and began bolting.

"Come on Beatrice!" Tubbo exclaimed as they followed after the blonde and his horse.

Tommy threw Tubbo the rest of his things, "Techno and Dream are behind!"

"What?! How do you know?!" Tubbo exclaimed.

"Remember the crystals I bought for Dream?" Tommy asked, "One was a dog, and I woke up to it sniffing my face before running away. Plus-"

WHOOSH!

An arrow flew past them, landing in a tree in front of them.

Tubbo smirked, "Techno!"

"This way!"

They went to the right, their horses climbing up the small hill as their horses kept running.

"Dream is after you, Techno is after me!" Tubbo stated, "We have to split up!"

"What?!"

"Trust me, Toms! We both know Dream doesn't have a horse, he's probably using Techno's! It'll be easier for you to loose him than me loosing Techno! I need to be smart when running from him!"

"Okay, but then what?! Where are we going to meet up?!"

Their horses jumped over a small stream as Tubbo checked the map. He studied it before handing it to Tommy, who grabbed it.

"There's a village to the north, a day or two on horseback! You go there and then to Glass Town! I can meet you there and grab a second map on the way!" Tubbo explained, "If you're worried, put one of the stones to the map! It seems to react to magic!"

"Okay!" Tommy nodded.

They got out of the forest, Tubbo turning to the left.

"Tubs!" The brunette paused, his best friend looking at him worriedly, "Be safe..."

Tubbo smiled, nodding, "I will. You too."

Tommy nodded, "See you soon."

"See ya!"

Both kicked their horses and separated.

***

"They separated." Techno said, looking in the direction of where Tubbo was heading.

The masked blonde hopped off his horse, "Well, it was a nice partnership for a little. I'm sure we'll meet again." 

The pig hybrid raised an eyebrow, "You're going to catch him on foot?"

"Course not." Dream took out a purple magic crystal, a purple horse appearing. He hopped on it and smirked, "The nice thing about my horse is that it won't run out of stamina unless I do. And if I'm simply riding it, I won't run out for awhile."

Techno hummed, "Alright. Just know, next time we meet, I won't be as kind."

"Figured as much," He hopped onto his horse, "You are the Blood General. Good luck on getting your bee."

"Good luck to you as well."

Dream kicked his magical horse's side. following after Tommy while Techno followed Tubbo.

Chapter Text

"Right, RIGHT!" Tommy exclaimed, turning Henrick after checking the map.

Henrick, after nearly two hours of running at full speed, had (of course) slowed down and jogged as fast as his tired body could. 

"It's okay, Henrick, we're almost to a cave where we can rest and I will give you tons of water and apple and sugar cubes and whatever you need!"

The horse puffed and, after about fifteen minutes, arrived at a cave. Tommy jumped off and lead the horse towards the back, placing a torch on the wall. Henrick laid down, clearly exhausted.

"Rest up buddy." Tommy cooed, petting his neck. He took out some water and ran to the nearby river. He scooped up a bunch of water and, carefully, ran back to Henrick. He placed it in front of the horse, "Here."

The horse gave a whinny in response, drinking the water happily. The blonde also took out some apples and carrots, the horse happily eating the fruit and vegetables. Tommy also took the time to eat and drink something, petting the horse. To help give Henrick a break, he took off the horses's armor.

Suddenly, Tommy heard hooves. He gasped, looking at Henrick. No way could he run, not anymore. He was too tired. However, Tommy looked through his bag. He grabbed an invisible potion, drinking it and moving away from his horse right as a glowing purple horse and a blonde masked man appeared.

"...Tommy, I know you're in here." Dream got off the horse, which disappeared. He pet Henrick, Tommy watching from afar, "I know you would never leave your horse behind, you've grown attached to him. I also can tell because of this."

Tommy squinted, covering his eyes at the glowing diamond.

"It's a locator diamond. A type of diamond that can only be made by Diamond Golems. You see, diamonds from Diamond Golems have a lot more magical property in them."

The blonde was searching threw his inventory for something he could use to defend himself. He didn't want to kill Dream, definitely not, just stop him until he can get away-

The young man groaned when his head hit the cave floor.

Dream placed his hand on Tommy's cheek, using his fingers to find the other's lips, "Gotcha~!"

***

Tubbo stopped placing down a fence post about twenty feet in front of the first one he placed. He hopped off Beatrice, tying a lead around her and the fence post.

He waited, feeding her and giving her some water as Technoblade showed up. The brunette quickly took out a crossbow, aiming it at the horse.

"Don't come closer or I'll shoot!" Tubbo yelled, making the hybrid stop.

"Easy, easy! Carl did nothing!" Techno stopped.

"Get off your horse and tie him to the lead! I place one on the fence!"

The hybrid hummed but did as he was told. Tubbo lowered his crossbow and the two walked towards one another, leaving a good foot between them.

"I want to make a deal." Tubbo smirked, "You want a rematch, right? That's why you're chasing me, right?"

Techno blinked, surprised.

"Well, let's have another fight. Two weapons like in the tournament, this time with enchantments and Netherite. Obviously, not killing, but potions and other magic is allowed." Tubbo pointed to himself, "If I win, you leave me and Toms alone. If you win, you can take me back to the Antarctic Empire. Though, you might have to tie me up as I still will try to run away."

Techno was silent before he chuckled, "You think I'm chasing you just for a rematch?"

It was Tubbo's turn to be surprised, "...Well, why else?"

Techno grabbed Tubbo's wrist and pulled him in for a kiss. It was a short kiss, but it was still full of love. Tubbo seemed to feel it too, as he seemed to lean in for another.

Techno chuckled, "I caught you, just like you wanted. But if you want another fight, then I will indulge you. But this time, my beautiful Bee, I will win."

Tubbo blushed darkly but cleared his throat. He nodded, turning to look through his things, Techno doing the same. Both ignored their want for another kiss, they had a fight to do.

Chapter Text

They both looked through their things, preparing for their fight. Tubbo took out a bunch of potions, Techno just taking out a lead he had. He also grabbed some regen potions, just in case he needed to use one. After all, Tubbo was really strong. Just to be safe, he also removed his cape, not wanting his little bee to try that little choking trick he did in the tournament.

Once they were prepared, the two stood in front of each other, Techno holding a Netherite sword and axe, while Tubbo had his Netherite axe and an enchanted Trident. They stood in front of each other, staring into one another's eyes, red meeting blue.

In a flash, they ran at each other, slamming their swords together with a loud clash. Tubbo smiled innocently at Techno as he took out a potion. However, Techno was prepared, he was smarter than that. He knew the other would have potions. So, he took out his axe and hit the dull end into Tubbo's stomach. The brunette groaned and stumbled back. Techno grabbed the potio and slammed it at Tubbo's feet as he jumped back.

The brunette stumbled, groaning, "D-Dammit..."

"Oh, is this one of your slowness potions?" Techno chuckled.

Tubbo groaned, his body heavy and slow as he stepped back as fast a s he could. However, Techno easily pinned him down and smirked.

"Come on now, little bee, don't tell me that's all you got?" Techno chuckled.

Tubbo snickered, shaking his head, "You must think so little of me, Pretty Man~!" 

The brunette splashed another potion on the floor, poisoning them both. Techno groaned and got off quickly as he coughed, his body feeling on fire. Tubbo also felt it as he stumbled away, taking out a bottle of milk, downing the drink. Tubbo sighed in relief, taking a few bites out of some meat on him and standing up. Techno also stood up, downing a regeneration potion, even if he despised the taste.

"Hurting yourself just to get away? Impressive, Tubbo." Techno chuckled, removing his pig mask and throwing it to the side.

God, if that didn't make Tubbo want to crumble, he doesn't know what could.

Tubbo gulped, running at him. Techno raised his sword inpreparationg of blocking him, but widened his eyes when Tubbo dropped his sword. He gasped when Tubbo grabbed his wrist, making the hybrid drop his sword. The brunette was quick to kick it away before slamming a punch into the hybrid's cheek. Techno stumbled back and Tubbo kicked him in the stomach.

Physical fight it was, then.

Before the brunette could land another punch, Techno grabbed him and kneed him in the stomach. Tubbo groaned, the air leaving his lungs as he stumbled back. That's when their fists starting hitting arms, both ducking and weaving, kicking either in the stomach or, if you were Tubbo, in the knees to offset their opponent. 

Eventually, Tubbo slid under Techno's legs and grabbed the hybrid's sword. He spun around and went to slash at him with the sword, but Techno was quick. He grabbed his axe and blocked the attack with it. 

Both panted, staring at each other.

"...You can give up now..." Tubbo panted.

"So can you..." Techno replied, "D-Do you seriously want to keep fighting instead of me taking you home? Say you don't want to join the Antarctica Empire's army, you can still live in the castle. Wilbur would love to have someone to play with. I will treat you like a priceless gem, give you anything you ask for, Tubbo. I want to cherish you."

Tubbo blushed at the confession. He's had some people, not the SMP Lands, when he and Tommy were traveling, tell him they like him, but never like that. He could tell Techno was trying his best, talking from his heart, wanting nothing more than to take him home.

And Tubbo, to be honest, wanted that too. But...

"It's not that I don't want that Techno... I would love that. Maybe not the whole treating me like a gem, because I'm not fragile." Tubbo bit his lip, "I... I do like you, I really do... But it's just... complicated. I'm not who you think I am, Techno. You... You don't want me-"

"Yes I do." Techno put his hand on the brunette's cheek, "How come it's complicated, tell me."

"I can't-"

"Why not?"

Drip. Drip.

Small drops of rain fell on top of their heads.

"...I just can't."

Tubbo kicked Techno in the stomach and threw his sword down, grabbing his own and strapping it to his back. He threw his trident in the air, an invisible force taking him to the sky. He threw it in the direction of Beatrice, managing to land safely. He went to grab his bag and hop on Beatrice, but gasped when someone caught his arm.

The brunette yelped in pain when Techno dug his nails into his wrist. It didn't hurt, just surprised him and he dropped his trident. Techno took his sword as well, using the lead he had in his back pocket to tie his wrists. He then pushed the boy on the ground.

Tubbo groaned at the movements, all of it happening at once. He looked up and gasped, blushing as Techno hovered over him, his hands by the brunette's head, the hybrids legs pinning his own down.

Techno smirked, "Give up."

Tubbo huffed, struggling against the rope around his wrists, "Nev-"

Techno leaned down and kissed him gently. Tubbo immediately whimpered, kissing back. One of the hybrid's hands held his cheek, the other resting by his head.

The hybrid pulls back, smirking at Tubbo's dazed face, "Give up."

"That's not-"

Again, he leaned down and kissed him, tongue licking at the brunette's bottom lip. Tubbo whined, unable to stop himself as he opened his mouth, letting Techno take complete control.

Once again, the kiss ended and Tubbo wanted to punch the other for ending it, "Give up."

"...If I don't, will you kiss me again?"

Techno smirked, "Why don't you find out?"

Tubbo remained silent, smirking back.

"So that's how we're playing?" Techno teased.

Tubbo nodded, still silent.

"Alright." Techno leaned down and began kissing at the brunette's neck, earning a gasp, "I'll make you give up~!"

The rain continued on as they both smiled and enjoyed each other's embrace.

Chapter Text

Dream placed his hand on Tommy's cheek, using his fingers to find the other's lips, "Gotcha~!" He leaned down and kissed the young man, Tommy groaning. 

Tommy gently pushed the other off, "W-What-"

"You surprised? You didn't honestly think I wouldn't come after you, did you?"

"Cla- Dream, let me go-"

"No way, I don't want to loose you." Dream undid his mask, "...I lost so many people, Tommy, I don't want you to be one of those..."

Tommy managed to get one arm free and drink a glass of milk, looking at the other blonde with tears in his eyes. Dream widened his own and wiped the young man's eyes.

"W-Why're you crying-"

"Just let me go!" Tommy yelled, "I... I'm sorry for running off a-and I do like you, you're handsome and funny and, even if you did lie about who you really are, I'm lying too! You say you don't want to loose me, Dream, but I..." The blonde began sobbing, "-y-you're going to loose me..."

"W-What do you mean?!" Dream kissed his cheeks, wiping his eyes, "What's wrong, what do you mean?! Tommy, please-"

"D-Dream, I'm not who you think I am! T-Tubbo and I-" The blonde didn't finish, just sobbing.

Dream got off of him, pulling the young man into a tight hug. He hugged Tommy tightly, rubbing his back and soothing him as Tommy sobbed and hiccuped, the rain pouring outside the cave. The young man hugged Dream tightly, burying himself in the bounty hunter's chest, who hugged him and soothed him.

"It's okay-"

"I-It's not-"

"Baby, it's okay." Dream whispered in his ear, kissing his ear, "It's okay."

Tommy widened his eyes, Baby? He called be baby? 

"I got you, take your time." Dream cooed, "I hate seeing you cry, Tommy... But sometimes we need to, so just cry if you need to, okay? I'm not leaving, not now, not ever."

Tommy hugged Dream tightly, sobbing, "I-I-I d-don't de-deserve y-you-"

"You deserve the world... I don't deserve you, I'm just a bounty hunter..." Dream hugged him just as tightly.

They sat there for what felt like hours, but couldn't have been more than twenty minutes. Tommy hiccuped, taking a shaky breaths and hanging onto Dream for dear life.

"Are you okay...? Feeling better...?" Dream asked as Tommy pulled back.

The young man wiped his eyes, "...D-Dream... You should go..."

"What?! Are you serious?!" The bounty hunter took his hands in his, "I love you, Tommy and you said you like me and you're just going to ask me to go?! I-I know I lied, but-"

"Dream, I lied-"

"So did I-"

"Tubbo and I are not from here!" Tommy screamed, "W-We're not from here and we're going to go back home!"

"T-Then take me-"

"WE'RE NOT FROM THIS WORLD!"

Both were silent as his words echoed through the cave, Tommy staring into his green eyes, tears threatening to spill again.

Dream stared at him in shock, "...What do you mean...?"

"T-Tubbo and I... w-we're not from this world..." Tommy hiccuped, "We... we're from somewhere else... A-A world w-were diamonds an-and gold are rare, b-but not hard to find, a world where g-going to the Nether is normal a-and we use it to travel a lot, a-a world where silver doesn't exist and y-you trade w-with emeralds, a world where..." The blonde looked down, trailing his fingers over the hickeys he had left on Dream last night, "...a world where I already met you..."

Dream was shaking, "...You.... you met me... before?" Did Tommy like this other version of him? Was this other version of him terrible? Is this why he left?

Tommy nodded, "...W-We already met you, B-Bad, Skeppy, Technoblade, Phil... all of you... T-Techno is my brother a-and P-Phil is my father... a-and you? W-We're not... good friends..."

The older blonde was shaking. From anger, from disappointment, from pain, he didn't know. He gently put Tommy on the cave floor, who began crying again.

"I-I'm sorry, I just-!" The blonde tried to wipe his eyes, "I-I miss home so much! I-I'm so homesick a-and I'm so used to telling Tubbo it's gonna be fine wh-when I don't know! I-I'm scared and y-you're so nice a-and kind and s-strong and handsome an-and just... I-I don't want to leave you but I know I have to eventually an-and you deserve someone better-"

"I don't want anyone else!" 

Tommy looked up at the other, who was on the verge of tears too.

"I-I don't... Tommy, you're... you're perfect to me! Even after hearing this..." Dream cursed, "I-I'm not like the other me, right?! I-I... I like you, I love you, Tommy!" He knelt down and cupped his cheeks, "...I want you even after knowing you're not from this world and how... how you're eventually going to go home..." He kissed him gently, "Tommy, you... you're the best thing that's ever happened to me... You... you have no idea what I've been through..."

"I..." Tommy held the other's hands to his cheeks, "I... I just... don't want to hurt you, Dream... I... I'm not from here and I still want to go home-"

"Bad can help you." Dream offered, "If... Maybe I can't have you and, even if it hurts, I will do anything for you. If you want to go home, I will help you... You and Tubbo."

Tommy smiled, nuzzling into his hand, "...You're too kind, Dream. Someone's going to take advantage of you..."

"If it's you, that's fine." Dream smiled back.

They shared a gentle kiss.

"I will help you, Tommy." The older said, resting his head on the other's, "I love you..."

"I..." Tommy blushed and kissed him, "I love you too... Don't say it like you're going to loose me... I... I want- need you by my side... I-I'm... really clingy..."

Dream chuckled, "Of course. I will be by you forever and always, chase you until the day I die."

The two hugged tightly, not wanting to let go, feeling as though the other would disappear into the rain outside if they did.

Chapter Text

Tubbo woke up the next day, head buried in a warm chest, arms wrapped around someone's neck. He blinked, trying to wake himself up. His lower back hurt and he was nervous, realizing he wasn't riding Beatrice nor was he with Tommy. He gasped, groaning before the person hugged him.

"Shhh, it's okay Lava Bee..." The voice cooed in his ear, "I gotcha..." 

Tubbo smiled, realizing he was with Technoblade. He closed his eyes once more, leaning to his neck and kissing it gently. He went to move his hands to the hybrid's shoulders, but realized he couldn't. He whined.

"What's wrong?" Techno asked.

"Hands..." Tubbo huffed, "Tied up..."

"Yeah, well, that's what happens when you try to run away." Techno teased.

"Don't act like you didn't like chasing me..." Tubbo giggled, "Undo..."

"No can do, baby. You're not running away again."

"I won't... undo my hands, please?" The brunette looked into the piglin's red eyes, giving him puppy dog eyes, "Pwease, Techie~?"

Techno blushed and rolled his eyes, playfully glaring, "You try to escaping and I'm tying your whole body up."

"Oooh, kinky!"

Techno rolled his eyes, kissing his forehead. He cut the ropes off of Tubbo's wrist, who immediately used his free hands to grab the hybrid's cheeks and pulling him in for a kiss. The hybrid smiled, kissing Tubbo back.

"Your adorable." Techno chuckled as Tubbo hugged him again.

The brunette giggled before gasping, pulling back, "Beatrice-"

"She's right here."

Technoblade turned Tubbo's chin, seeing the horse walking beside Carl, who he and the piglin hybrid were riding.

"...How long do you think it will take before we get to the empire?" Tubbo questioned, playing with the buttons on the hybrid's shirts.

The piglin hybrid pet his head gently, kissing his head, "Two or three days? It took me two days to get to you, but that's because Carl is used to traveling long distances for days straight, running full speed. But now we have to walk."

Tubbo rebuttoned the shirt, blinking in confusion, "No we don't. I can ride Beatrice. She probably won't be as fast as Carl, but she's fast!"

"...If you run-"

"We had a deal!" Tubbo playfully hit the other's chest, "Do you think so little of me I wouldn't honor a deal?! You caught me so now I have to go with you!"

Techno chuckled, kissing his cheek, "It's just precaution."

Tubbo giggled. Techno stopped Carl, undoing the lead around him and Beatrice as the brunette jumped onto his horse. After Techno showed him the map, Tubbo took off, claiming he was going to beat him. Techno rolled his eyes and kicked Carl's side, the horse booking it. The two laughed, both horses running at the same pace. If not, Carl was in front of Beatrice and the mare was not happy. Tubbo laughed as his horse huffed and nipped at the other as they ran, but Tubbo was careful not to let Beatrice hurt him.

They ran for a few hours, maybe three or four before Beatrice couldn't run anymore. She got tired. Tubbo stopped her and jumped off, calling Techno back.

She whined.

"Oh, sweetheart, it's okay!" Tubbo smiled, petting her snout gently, "You did amazing!" The brunette playfully glared at the hybrid and his horse, "You made her upset!"

"What?" Techno jumped off Carl, who huffed, "What did we do?"

"She's not used to this! Yet you decided to go all out!"

"Not our fault we're better."

Beatrice nipped at him.

~~~

Wilbur was sitting in the living room, watching from the inside. He watched the walls, hoping Techno would come back soon. He missed his uncle, he was so fun and he just wished the man had said a little more than just 'I'd be back soon.' 

That could mean anything! Techno said that whenever he left, yet he could leave for a year and that is not soon. 

"Wilbur, come on." Phil sat in front of him on the windowsill, "He'll come back soon."

"Yeah, well how long is soon?" Wilbur hissed. He looked at his father, "Uncle Techno could be gone for years and, if he comes back-"

"When he comes back." The blonde man corrected.

"When he comes back, you're just gonna say 'see, told you!' But that's not soon, dad! And he barely said anything to me when he left! He just-"

"Wilbur-"

"No, dad, I'm not done-"

"No, Wilbur, look!"

The boy turned and looked out the window, seeing his uncle riding Carl with another person beside him on his own horse. Wilbur widened his eyes and looked at his father, eyes wide and asking, begging, to go meet him. Phil smiled and nodded.

Wilbur laughed as he ran out of the room and downstairs, careful of the maids and butlers as he ran out to the backyard. The boy ran to the stables and saw Techno helping the other with taking the armor off his horse.

"You can set it-"

"Uncle Techno!"

The two turned and Wilbur jumped into the hybrid's arms.

"Hey there, little guy!" Techno teased, picking the young boy up.

"Y-You left..." Wilbur huffed, "...barley said bye..."

"Well, I was in a rush." Techno had the boy face the person he was talking to, "Wilbur, I want you to meet someone... very special to me. Someone I... I really like. Wilbur, this is Tubbo."

The young boy blinked as the other smiled, "Hello, Wilbur. It's nice to meet you."

"...Dad said you were in love! So he's your 'mate,' right? That's what piglins call them, right?"

Techno and Tubbo blushed darkly and Wilbur smiled brightly, oblivious to the two very embarrassed men.

Chapter Text

Techno had Wilbur face the person he was talking to, "Wilbur, I want you to meet someone... very special to me. Someone I... I really like. Wilbur, this is Tubbo."

The young boy blinked as the other smiled, "Hello, Wilbur. It's nice to meet you."

"...Dad said you were in love! So he's your 'mate,' right? That's what piglins call them, right?"

Techno and Tubbo blushed darkly and Wilbur smiled brightly, oblivious to the two very embarrassed men.

Tubbo let out an awkward laugh, "Um, w-well, our relationship i-is a bit complicated and-"

"Techno plays with me all the time! He's my uncle and you can't take him away, though!" Wilbur huffed, "Just cause you guys are mates now, doesn't mean you can have him!"

"Wilbur." The three turned, seeing the blonde king. He smiled and Techno placed his son down, "Wil, Schlatt is here to play. Well, I have a feeling you and him are going to mess with Eret and Karl once again."

The brunette snickered, running off to meet his friend.

The king then looked at Techno and then Tubbo, walking to the brunette, "You have a talent in running and avoiding people, hm?"

"I-It's why I'm good at fighting." Tubbo laughed awkwardly.

Phil nodded, smiling, "Well, I would love to see you fight more. However, I would like it if you stopped running. Otherwise, I'll miss out on two good fighters because there is no way Techno will let you go." He then chuckled, "Now, about that prize..."

"I-It's really not that big of a deal, your majesty-"

"Please, just call me Phil or Philza."

"W-Well I really don't need anything... I-I really just joined the tournament for fun a-and winning was never my priority. I-I'm honestly just as surprised as everyone I won so..." Tubbo shifted on his feet, blushing as the other just stared at him.

Phil hummed, looking at him then at Techno and smirked, "Well, how about your prize is a big celebration for your wedding!"

"W-Wedding?!" "P-PHILZA!" Both yelled, blushing.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Phil said innocently, eyes wide as if he had no idea what was wrong with what he said, "I just assumed you had told him about courting rituals and Piglin tradi-"

"YOU KNOW WHAT-" Techno interrupted Phil by gently pushing the king away, "Tubbo and I need to take off Beatrice and Carl's armor and, afterwards, I'm going to show him around the castle! Why don't you make sure Wilbur and Schlatt are not setting anything on fire?!"

The king simply smiled innocently, leaving with a chuckle.

Techno faced Tubbo, sighing slightly, "I-I'm sorry, we are extremely close and often joke-"

"I-It's okay, Tommy and I are the same." Tubbo reassured before he snickered, "So, uh, courting rituals and Piglin traditions? W-Would you like to tell me what those are about?"

Techno blushed, looking away, "Um, well... The courting begins when two possible partners fight each other. Of course, you have to establish you two are interested, otherwise it makes no sense. The fighting is to test each other, see each other's strengths, weakness, and get closer in a way. A-After the fight, you are to gift the person a golden item, the more unique the better. If the other Piglin reciprocates, well, then you two are officially, um, mates..."

Tubbo blushed, Oh, so the golden apples- "I-I accidentally started the courting..."

"...We can just forget th-"

"N-NO, NO!" Tubbo exclaimed, "J-Just because it was an accident doesn't mean I regret it!" He shyly smiled, "I... W-Well, I don't know about marriage, but having a promise ring from you and the idea of a possible future with you sounds... r-really nice."

"Y-Yeah?" The piglin widened his eyes.

"Mhmm!" Tubbo hummed, smiling shyly, "Besides, it's be kinda weird if I said no when we sorta, kinda, maybe had sex last night after we established we liked each other."

The hybrid chuckled, nodding. He then gasped, "Oh, uh, my gift!"

Techno took out two golden accessories he had. One was a golden bracelet with rubies, diamonds, and emeralds circling it. The other was a golden tiara circlet with a red ruby in the center of the circlet.

"I... I wasn't sure how comfortable you would be wearing something like a crown or similar to a crown, so I got you a bracelet as well..." Techno offed.

Tubbo took them, eyes wide in amazement, "...They're beautiful! I love it!" He quickly put the bracelet on and then the circlet. He gasped when it fell over his eyes, "A-Ah! Techno!"

The hybrid chuckled and fixed it, smiling, "You look like a princess, my princess."

Tubbo's face was scarlet red, "I-I thought I was your Lava Bee?"

"You're both." Techno teased.

The two smiled and shared a kiss, Techno holding Tubbo's waist as the brunette held the hybrid's shoulders.

Chapter Text

They waited until the next day, just so Henrick could rest up, before they left to go back to Miner's Valley. Dream rode behind Tommy, arm around his waist, mask off. 

It was silent, which was awkward.

"...Dream, I-" "...Tommy, I-"

The two stopped and faced each other, chuckling.

"You first." Dream smiled.

"I..." Tommy hesitated, looking away, "I don't want you to think that I don't like you just because the you I'm used to is kind of an asshole, you're... really, really, sweet and kind and strong and quick and amazing and- I-I'm rambling, sorry! I just ramble when I'm nervous! A-Anyways, the point I'm trying to make is that I do really, really, like you and I don't want you to believe that I don't."

Dream smiled, kissing Tommy's cheek and earning a giggle, "I love you too, Tommy." He hesitated, "I was just going to say... if we do find a way for you to go home, will you?"

"...Only if I can come back. I don't... I don't want to loose you."

The blonde nodded, hugging Tommy tightly, "I don't want to loose you either."

They exchanged a kiss as they continued riding Henrick. They stopped once night fell, Tommy setting up torches around he campsite and Dream cooking dinner for them while also feeding the horse. Once they finished setting up their campsite, Tommy explained the adventures he had in his world, Dream smiling and happily listening. 

Some things, he didn't understand. For example, there were no such things as diamond golem hybrids, let alone gold and iron golem hybrids. Not to mention how much easier it was to craft, use furnaces, enchant, etc. No wonder why Tommy and Tubbo seemed more magical. Their world required a lot more physical strength while Dream's world was full of a lot more magic.

Then came the shocking part.

"Your world... you have three lives? What are you, a cat?" Dream teased.

Tommy rolled his eyes, "Yeah, well, Tubs and I've been living one life for, like, forever!"

"Really? But... aren't you two young? Twenty something, right?"

"Twenty five and Tubs is twenty six."

"Well, how'd you die?"

"Tubbo's deaths were accident. The first one was my brothers and I were messing around with fireworks. Technoblade, who's my brother in my world, had hooked one to a crossbow and shot it off and, um, Tubbo was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Techno and Wilbur, my other brother, felt soooo bad, they didn't want to play with fireworks for the longest time." Tommy then hesitated, "His... his second death... we're not sure what happened... Techno just lost control, he... he acted like a monster that day. It's the reason we took a break and ended up here. We just... he said he saw red and stabbed Tubbo..." The blonde hugged himself, "...Tubbo said he forgave him, but I... I couldn't..."

"You don't need to forgive him." Dream encouraged, hugging him close and kissing his forehead, "He hurt your best friend. Um, can you tell me your deaths...?"

Feeling the blonde stiffen, he quickly spoke again, "You don't need-"

"It was the Dream from my world." Tommy said, "L-Like I said, we were never good friends. Um, Dream from our world was a giant ass and he... we got into a lot of fights and he actually killed me once. It was an accident, we were just sparing... but he killed me. Then there was Jschlatt, who killed me. He tried killing Tubbo, but I protected him and Tubs killed him."

Dream hugged him, "...Do... Do I remind you of him?"

"Of who? Dream from our world? No way!" Tommy moved and sat on the other's lap, kissing him gently with a smile, "You're so much better! So nice and fast and smart and... well, you're better."

"R-Really?" Dream said happily.

Tommy chuckled and nodded, "Of course! I mean, I-I do love you and I don't like the Dream from our world, so you're clearly better!"

The older blonde chuckled, pulling him in for another kiss. Tommy moaned and kissed back. He held Dream's shoulders, the other wrapping his arm around Tommy's waist. They sat there, kissing and just hugging one another close. When it was time to sleep, Tommy cuddled into Dream's chest, both hugging one another tightly, not wanting to let go.

Not now, not ever.

Chapter Text

Dream and Tommy arrived back in Miner's Valley, the older blonde hugging the other's waist as they continued making their way to The Shiny Diamond. They went to the stables first, helping Henrick to a stall. After they finished setting Henrick in the stall, they held hands as they walked to the bar.

They got to the Shiny Diamond, where Skeppy was dealing with two customers getting into a fight. He glanced at them and waved before throwing the customers out. Dream led Tommy to the kitchen where he put his hand on a tile. Tommy gasped when a hidden door opened, the two going into the second part of the bar.

"I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU!"

"LANGUAGE!"

"BACK OFF BAD, HE TRIED TO OFF GEORGE!"

"SAPNAP, YOU CAN'T DO HUNTS HERE!"

"SAYS WHO?! THE SHITFACE GOVERNMENT WHO DOESN'T KNOW SHIT ABOUT OUR BUSINESS?!"

"LANGUAGE! OH MY GOODNESS, SAPNAP!"

Dream hugged Tommy close as they watched George and Bad struggle to hold back Sapnap, who seemed ready to kill another bounty hunter, who simply sat on the couch sharpening his knives.

"Listen, I'm sure you know this, but it's just business. The bounty hunter GeorgeNotFound has a bounty, I have a client, and I need to make money. But seeing as you both are relaxing in Miner's Valley, I'm not gonna meet my deadline and-" The hunter looked at Dream and Tommy, "...Wait, that's... Dream?"

The blonde, without hesitation, used his crossbow to shoot the other in the shoulder.

"DREAM!" Bad yelled.

"What, he saw my face and knows who I am! I prefer to keep my anonymity, thanks!" Dream huffed, taking out his mask.

Sapnap got out of Bad and George's grasp, taking out a knife and quickly stabbing the other hunter with a smirk.

"Um...?" Tommy looked at Dream.

"I promise, this doesn't happen often. No one is usually stupid enough to go after any of us and Sapnap doesn't get this mad unless someone hurts George." Dream explained.

"I-It's fine, just got a bit nervous." Tommy reassured.

"You're cleaning that up." Bad groaned as Sapnap finished.

The ravenette smiled and nodded, covered in blood. George walked over and kissed his cheek, Sapnap giggling as the brunette hugged him.

"You're such a dog." Dream teased.

"Puppy, thank you very much!" Sapnap joked before he widened his eyes, "Oh, your boyfriend is here!"

The two blondes blushed and looked away from each other, "W-We're not-!" "I-It's not-!" "We-!" "It's like-!"

"Great job, you made them embarrassed." George let him go, "Clean up the mess while we talk with Dream and his boytoy!"

"HE'S NOT MY BOYTOY!" "I'M NOT HIS BOYTOY!" The two yelled.

Bad rolled his eyes, "They're boyfriends. You and Sapnap are the only ones who refuse to say boyfriends and just call each other boytoys."

"Cause I'm just in it for the sex!" Sapnap teased, clearly joking.

"LANGUAGE!" Bad yelled, "I swear, I will kick you out!"

"Then who's going to clean this up?"

Bad rolled his eyes before he smiled at Tommy, "Hi Tommy! We never really got a chance to talk, but my name is Bad! As I'm sure you can tell, the guy cleaning up the body is Sapnap and the other is George! We're Dream's friends and-"

"He's told us all about how hot and sexy you look when fighting-"

"GEORGE!" "LANGUAGE!" Dream blushed, Bad yelling. Sapnap burst out laughing, he and the brunette highfiving as the blonde tried to explain to the embarrassed Tommy.

"I-Ignore him!" Bad tried to calm the situation down, "A-Anyways, um, so, what I was saying, we're his friends and we've heard a lot about you! All good things!"

"Like how sexy I am?" Tommy teased.

"AH, LANGUAGE!"

George and Sapnap fell to the floor laughing, Tommy giggling, and Dream fell to the floor in embarrassment, yelling at them to shut up.

"I thought we came here for help, and now I feel so attacked..." Dream huffed.

Tommy just giggled as George helped Sapnap carry the body, Bad sighing.

Dream stood up and, after making sure George and Sapnap were gone, he spoke, "Bad? Um, there's something we need help with."

"Okay. What up?"

"...We need your demon books..."

Bad widened his glowing white eyes. He turned and motioned for the two to follow him. They went into the demons room, where Bad shut and locked the door.

"So, what is it?" Bad asked.

Dream looked at Tommy, the younger explaining, "Um, well, I-I'm from another world and I-I need to find a way home. W-Well, I don't need to, I'm happy with Dream, b-but I really miss home and I, um, want to see it again..."

Bad hummed and nodded, "Let me look through my books. It might take me a few hours to find something, so just sit tight."

"We'll go to my room. After all, if you find something, we need to figure out how to get Tubbo if Techno caught him."

Tommy nodded. Bad watched the two leave hand in hand.

He smiled, when they shared a kiss when they thought the door had closed.

~~~

Techno ran his hand gently through Tubbo's hair, who laid on his chest happily. He had his eyes closed, breath even. He wasn't sleeping, just relaxing into the touch.

"So cute." Techno cooed.

"Who is?" Tubbo giggled.

"Who do you think?" The Piglin hybrid pulled him closer, kissing one of the many forming bruises on his neck, "Talking about my cute little Lava Bee!"

"S-Stop it!" Tubbo giggled, "M'still sensitive and my ass is going to be sore for a week!"

"You'll be fine." The other teased.

The brunette giggled as the hybrid continued to kiss his neck. His hands went to Techno's hair, tugging lightly and smirking at the moan.

Yeah, Techno definitely has a thing for hair pulling.

"Easy there little bee, I thought you told me to stop?"

"If you mess with bees, you're bound to get stung!"

"Oh, so you want to play?"

Tubbo, instead of answering, pulled his hair again. Techno huffed, pulling Tubbo in for a rough kiss.

Knock, knock!

The two pulled back and Tubbo laid on Techno's chest, head resting on the other's shoulder. Techno snaked an arm around the brunette's waist as he called for whoever to come in.

Wilbur, which another prince by his side, opened the door, "Uncle Techno? Dad wants Tubbo. He wants to get Tubbo's measurements for clothes and stuff."

"Clothes?" Tubbo questioned.

"He probably wants you to dress more formally." Techno explained, rubbing his back, "We'll be done in a minute."

"Did you two have sex?" The other prince snickered.

"SCHLATT!" Wilbur pushed his friend back, "SORRY!" He slammed the door and the two heard feet pattering. 

Tubbo giggled, looking at Techno, who chuckled, "Does this mean we were caught?"

"No, because we didn't confirm or deny it." Techno joked, his bee laughing.

Chapter Text

The sun was shining through the blinds, hitting his face. He squinted, not happy with them. His blonde lashes fluttered open to reveal blue eyes, feeling an arm draped around his waist, making him turn. 

Tommy's eyes met the peaceful sleeping face of Dream, who hugged him tightly, protectively, making him smile. Deja vu, perhaps? He stared at the other before carefully turning so his chest was against Dream's. He ran his hands through Dream's hair, smiling as the other hummed.

"Cute..." Tommy chuckled, leaning forward and kissing him gently.

When he pulled back, Dream smiled.

"...You're awake."

"Nah, I'm being cute and sleeping." Dream responded.

"Really now? You sound awake if your sleeping."

"I'm sleep talking."

"Ah, of course." Tommy chuckled, "Well, if you're sleeping, then I'm going to get Henrick and run away."

"Absolutely not." Dream hugged him closer, opening his eyes and narrowing them a bit, "Mine."

Tommy chuckled, kissing his nose, "I'm just kidding!"

Dream smiled. They cuddled each other, smiling and happy to enjoy one another's embrace. Suddenly, Dream's door was opened and they looked at the demon, who had entered.

"Good, you're both awake!" Bad smiled, holding up a book, "I found it!"

The two sat up as Bad began pacing, reading the basic summary, "'Humans who have traveled through different worlds, while incredibly rare, are not impossible. These events only happen when the humans have found a teleportation temple. However, these temples only appear to humans who...'" Bad paused.

"...What is it?" Tommy asked. 

"'...humans who are on the brink of death by their own actions. This could be on the brink of accidental death or purposeful death..." Bad looked at Tommy.

Dream did too, worried.

"I-It must've been an accidental death! There's no way Tubs or I would, well, you know!" Tommy reassured, "Sure, we get stressed out, but no way would we ever do something like that! We don't ever get that stressed or overwhelmed."

"Oh thank goodness..." Bad sighed in relief, "Because if that was the case, I would put this book aside and teach Dream how to make sure you always feel loved and cherished and- you know what, I'll do it anyways!" 

Tommy and Dream chuckled, the demon smiled kindly.

"Do you remember where you were when you teleported here?"

"Um..." Tommy hummed, "...A jungle! We thought it was a jungle temple and were gonna loot it! Tubbo brushed off this statue and then boom! We were here."

Bad hummed, looking over his book, "Which statue?"

He showed the book, where six pictures of statues were on the bottom. Each had a different rune, Tommy humming. He pointed to the middle one and Bad nodded.

"'Rune of Strength - A world were strength and intelligence is the most important thing. There is magic, however, the world does not use it as much as other worlds. It's a lot more rare, which is why their magic is stronger.'"

"That makes sense." Dream nodded, "Tommy and Tubbo's have weapons and armors that are near impossible to get in our world and they are way overpowered."

"Mhmm! Okay, so I have the spell to send you back, however, I can't do it more than once a month. The only reason is because it takes a ton of strength from myself and magic from the moon. So, if you want to go home with Tubbo, I suggest we find him and do it at the same time." Bad explained.

Tommy nodded, grabbed his bag and took out the map with his red raccoon crystal.

"You still have it?" Dream smiled brightly.

Tommy smiled back, "Of course! Best gift I've ever gotten!"

He then held the crystal to the map, gasping. He saw two dots in Miner's Valley, a red and lime green dot. In the Antarctic Empire, there was a dark green dot as well as a pink dot.

"A locator map." Dream explained, "Reacts to any type of magic."

Tommy nodded, "That's Tubs, Techno got him."

"Well, then, seems we got a job to do, huh?"

"I'll come too!" Bad exclaimed, "It'll be easier that way!"

Tommy and Dream nodded, the demon leaving. The two blondes looked at each other and smiled, kissing gently.

~~~

"Do I have to wear this?" Tubbo blushed, looking at himself in the mirror.

Techno sat behind him, "You look stunning, what do you mean?"

"I don't know, it feels... j-just, I'm embarrassed..." Tubbo covered his stomach a bit, "L-Like, I don't like showing too much skin..."

Technoblade hummed and stood up. He helped remove the top before he grabbed a black shirt that was too small on him. Tubbo put it on as well as the top and smiled, nodding.

"Better?" Techno asked.

"Much better!" Tubbo leaned into the other, "...It's weird, though."

"How so?"

"Very flowy, almost like a skirt. But it's very pretty."

"Well, Phil wanted you to wear something that was a bit tight fitting but give you room to breathe. The flowy part, as you put it, is to make it look proper and royal." Techno hugged his waist, kissing his ear as he fixed the circlet.

"I-I feel like a princess!"

"You're my princess, if that counts." 

Tubbo blushed, turning and facing him. They smiled and shared a kiss, Techno fixing the diamond ring on Tubbo's left hand. The brunette chuckled, smiling at the other as if he was the best thing in his life.

"I love you." Tubbo smiled.

Techno blushed, smiling back, "I love you, too."

Chapter Text

Technoblade and Tubbo walked downstairs and to the dinning room, where Phil was sitting at the head of the table, Wilbur on his right side. Techno sat down on his left and Tubbo sat beside Techno, blushing a bit. He felt so awkward, being treated like royalty, it was just something he wasn't used to.

Breakfast was set down in front of them and Tubbo was amazed at how amazing it looked. He turned and saw the three eating, so he also began eating. 

He gasped, moaning, "Mmmn, this is very good!" He exclaimed after he swallowed.

Philza chuckled, "Of course, I only hire the best of the best. Our chefs, maids, butlers, etc are all outstanding. Even I am often amazed at how well they do! They all do everything perfect, sometimes I wonder if I should look for a mistake just to make sure they are not robots."

Tubbo chuckled and could practically feel the maids and butlers excitement at the praise. He nodded and continued eating, Techno smiling fondly at him. Tubbo looked at the hybrid, who wiped the corner of his mouth. The brunette blushed and giggled, thanking him.

Techno smirked as he licked his thumb, Tubbo blushing more and playfully pushing him, the hybrid laughing.

"I'm going to the garden!" Wilbur slammed his hands on the table, pushing out his chair.

"Wil-"

The boy left the room before Phil could stop him. The blonde man sighed, squeezing his temple.

Tubbo hesitated, "...W-What's wrong?"

Techno shook his head, smiling at Tubbo, "Nothing to worry about, Bee. Just-"

"No, something's wrong. He's upset! D-Did I do something?"

"No, Tubbo, I can assure you, you did nothing wrong." Phil explained, the young man looking at the king, "Wilbur... Well, he's used to his big, strong, amazing Uncle Techno doting on him rather than someone else. He's just used to being the only one Techno sees."

"...S-So he's jealous?" Tubbo asked.

Techno kissed the brunette's cheek, "He thinks you're stealing me from him, I reassured him you're not. He just believes that because I'm helping you settle it."

Tubbo nodded. Techno and Phil continued eating and Tubbo hesitated. He clenched his fists on his lap, "...Um, I'm going to go to the garden!"

"Tubbo-"

Tubbo kissed Techno's lips, "Don't worry. If he tells me to leave, I will. I won't push him."

He left to find the young boy.

~~~

Wilbur whimpered, hugging his knees to his chest as he sat on the bench in front of the Glowing Roses. It was his favorite part of the garden, towards the back and it was hidden away. It was a good place to cry where no one could find him. He hugged himself more and tears stained his pants, but he didn't care.

"H-Hello..."

Wilbur peaked out and saw Tubbo. He glared and huffed, going back to hugging himself.

"...Hey, um, can I sit beside you?" Tubbo asked gently.

The brunette boy moved a bit, but didn't say anything. Tubbo sat beside him, remaining quiet as Wilbur continued to cry silently.

"...You know, I'm jealous of you... You have such a nice father and a wonderful uncle..." Tubbo spoke, "...I don't have a family..."

"...You have Tommy." Wilbur hissed.

Tubbo chuckled, "True, very true. But he's just my best friend, he's not my brother or anything like that." He hummed, "...You want to know what happened to me...?"

Wilbur turned and faced him. He gave a small nod.

Tubbo clenched his fists, smiling sadly, "...My mother and father... we were extremely poor. I mean, extremely poor. I only had one shirt and one pair of pants. I didn't have socks, shoes, nothing else. I didn't even have underwear. I was happy, though, because I had my mother and father..." He hesitated, his smile faltering, "...But one day, when I was twelve, they took me to the woods. They gave me a blanket with a bee on it, my baby blanket, and a box. They said they would come back, they promised they'd come back. So I waited." He closed his eyes, "...And waited, and waited... and waited."

"...Wh-What happened...?" Wilbur asked.

Tubbo took a deep breath, "...They never came back. After waiting for a few days, I realized that... So I left the box, wrapped the blanket around my neck like a cape, and began to wander the world. I... I actually lived alone in the woods until I was fifteen. That's when I met Tommy. He brought me to his home, his father gave me new clothes, bandaged me up, taught me how to fight and, well, here I am now."

Wilbur looked at the other, "...Why're you telling me this...?"

"Well, at first, I came to cheer you up, but I kinda brought myself down!" Tubbo chuckled, "W-What I was trying to explain was that, Techno and Phil are not my parents." He looked at the other, "...Neither of them are going to leave you. If anything, if I make you upset or if I do something to hurt you? Well, Techno and Phil would probably kill me or, if they feel like giving mercy, they would kick me out. You're their priority, not me." He put his hand on Wilbur's cheek, "...I'm jealous of you for that. You have a family, a father and uncle who will gladly die for you. I don't have that. I'm not trying to bring you down or say your feelings are invalid, however. If you feel like I'm trying to steal Technoblade, your feelings are valid." He smiled and wiped the tears from Wilbur's eyes, "What I am saying, though, is that Techno puts you first. Not me. Just remember that, okay?"

Wilbur hesitated and nodded.

Tubbo smiled and stood up, waving a bit, "I'll leave you alone now, okay? And don't worry, my lips are sealed. This stays between us." He winked, earning a small giggle.

The brunette man went to walk away before Wilbur jumped off the bench. He ran and hugged the other from behind, Tubbo gasping.

"...You're a liar." Wilbur murmured.

"...I-I'm sorry?"

"You said you don't have a family..." Wilbur looked at him, smiling, "But we're family now, right? If Techno's my uncle, then your my uncle too! So we're family!"

Tubbo widened his eyes, tears coming to them. 

"Y-You're crying!"

The young man gasped and wiped his eyes, "S-Sorry, sorry! I-I'm just-" He chuckled, unable to stop a few tears slipping down his cheeks, "-j-just happy, Wibur... I-I never thought of it like that..."

Wilbur hugged Tubbo again, the other kneeling down. They shared a hug, Tubbo smiling as he let out a few sniffles.

"T-Thank you, Wilbur..." Tubbo smiled.

Wilbur hugged the other tightly, "...Just don't steal Techno from me..."

"I won't, I promise!" He chuckled, pulling back, "As long as I'm still able to have you as my family!"

Wilbur giggled and nodded.

~~~

Tommy was riding Henrick through the woods as Dream and Bad, who were in the trees, scoped out the woods, making sure it was safe for them. 

Suddenly, Henrick neighed in surprise and Tommy turned, glaring.

"There, there, bud, it's just an idiot!" The blonde huffed.

"That's not nice." Dream chuckled, removing his mask and smiling, "It's safe."

"You scared Henrick!" Tommy huffed.

"Sorry, sorry, just wanted to startle you!" Dream hugged his waist.

Tommy rolled his eyes, playfully glaring, "You are the worst sometimes."

The bounty hunter laughed and kissed Tommy's cheek. Tommy turned and pulled him in for a proper kiss. They pulled back and Dream rested his chin on the younger man's shoulder, who smiled.

"...I... I'm gonna miss you..." Dream said.

"You act like you'll never see me again." Tommy teased.

"...I might not. When Bad uses his magic... you're gonna be gone and I... I might not ever see you."

"I-" Tommy bit his lip, "I... I don't know if I will go back if there's no return."

"...Isn't that something you should think about?"

"Maybe, but I'm pretty stupid." Tommy joked, earning a small chuckle, "I... I just... I want to see my brothers, want to see my dad, want to see my other friends... but I also want you and I know if I go back, I'm going to be looking at my version of Dream and just... feel so heartbroken because you two are... you two are so different. He'd never be as nice and as loving, and as handsome, as you..." He faced the other, smiling, "I... I love you and I could never love him."

Dream blushed and smiled, kissing Tommy again, "I love you too!"

Dream hugged Tommy tightly, the two enjoying each other's embrace as they continued making their way to Antarctic Empire.

~~~

Techno looked around, concerned. Neither Wilbur or Tubbo had come back inside and it had been about two hours. He walked around the garden, trying to listen for them while also trying to navigate the maze-like garden.

"L-Like this?"

His ear twitched at Tubbo's voice, thank god for enhanced hearing.

Wilbur laughed, "No! Like this!"

"That's what I'm doing!"

"Then why are you doing it wrong?"

"Don't sass me!"

The two laughed.

"Wil, Tubbo?" Techno ducked under the branches as he walked into the space they were in. 

"Here, like this!" 

Techno watched as Wilbur held up a Glowing Rose. He watched as the boy circled his hand around the rose, the glowing specs floating around the rose with his hand. He then moved it over his head and the glowing specs began to gently flow around him, slowly falling down as they glowed a mix of light blues and bright blues, almost neon like. 

"Dad said the light blue could represent friendliness and the bright blues is more energizing and refreshing!" Wilbur explained.

"Alright, I can do this!" Tubbo said, determined. 

He took a deep breath as he circled his hand around the rose, the glowing specs coming off the rose and circling with his hand. Tubbo then moved his hand over his head and the glowing specs gently flowed around him. They began to glow yellow, black, and gold. Wilbur awed at the specs, Techno doing the same. Tubbo smiled, holding the rose to his chest as they slowly fell around him.

"Pretty..." Wilbur said, "O-Oh, the colors, um, y-yellow means hope, happiness, sunshine, and courage! B-Black and gold mean, um-"

"Black, on the positive side means power, elegance, and formality." Techno spoke as he smiled at the two, both looking at him, "But it could also mean death, evil, and mystery. However, I doubt the black is trying to represent death and evil for Tubbo, seeing as gold represents love, compassion, courage, passion, magic, and wisdom."

The specs fell to the floor as Techno sat beside Wilbur, "You know Phil is going to get on you for using so many roses."

"They'll grow back!" Wilbur huffed, picking up the six roses they used.

Tubbo gasped as the vines moved and accepted the roses back, as if fixing themselves.

"See!"

Techno rolled his eyes and picked up the prince like he weighed nothing, "Well, then, this will stay between us." He gently brushed the specs away from him, "I won't tell if you don't."

Wilbur nodded. Tubbo stood beside the two, brushing the specs out of his hair as they walked back to the castle. Techno placed the prince down, who hugged his uncle. The other hugged back with a smiled before Wilbur pulled back, hugging Tubbo tightly.

Tubbo hugged back, "Thank you, Wil."

Wilbur smiled, "Your welcome. Remember, it's our secret!"

"What is?" Techno teased.

Tubbo and Wilbur zipped their lips before the prince ran off with a laugh. Techno wrapped his arm around the other's waist, smiling, "What did you do to make him like you?"

"Nothing special, don't worry about it." He kissed the hybrid's nose, "Aren't you suppose to be planning for the ceremony?"

"You're suppose to plan with me too!"

"I was busy with my nephew, thank you very much!" Tubbo teased.

Techno picked him up bridal style, smirking as the other's face turned a bright red, "Well, now that you're done, why don't we get back to the ceremony planning? I was thinking you wear nothing but gold-"

"Is that you talking or your Piglin side?" Tubbo teased as they walked into the castle.

"Both."

Tubbo giggled, laying against Techno's chest as he carried him to his office.

Chapter Text

They finally made it to the Antarctic Empire, Dream helping Tommy with finding a stable for Henrick. Afterwards, they, as well as Bad, got a hotel room. Dream put on his mask, pulling his green hood up as Bad used his magic to transform, looking like a normal human. Dream then helped Tommy with his disguise.

He helped Tommy put on a similar mask to his, the only difference being the eyes were crosses instead of black dots. He then put a black robe around him, covering his body and clothes, the hood covering his hair.

"Perfect." Dream said.

Tommy nodded, giggling, "So, do we-"

"We have to wait a little longer. Not when its totally dark, but when the sun is down enough that there is a little bit of cover." Dream explained, "That way, we have the night to cover us."

Tommy nodded, taking off his and Dream's mask to kiss him gently. The older blonde smiled, kissing back. When Tommy pulled back, he hesitated, arms wrapping around the other's waist. 

Dream hugged back, "What's wrong?"

"...I... I don't want to leave you, but I want to go home..." He whimpered, "I-I... I'm just so conflicted..."

"...I can come with you, can't I?"

"What?!" Tommy pulled back.

Dream smiled, holding the other's cheeks in his hands, "Tommy, I showed you my world, show me yours. I love you, so much. Neither of us want to separate, right? Well, let me come with you!"

"B-But your friends-"

"Sapnap and George have each other, Bad and Skeppy have each other, and I have you. It's okay, Tommy. I... I don't want to leave you, I don't want you to leave me. Please..."

Tommy hesitated before he nodded, "If... If you're so sure... then okay."

They smiled at one another and kissed once more, hugging one another tightly.

~~~

Tubbo sat in the library, reading about different types of ceremonies involving the Antarctic Empire and Piglin Traditions. Techno had reassured him he didn't have to read any of that stuff, but Tubbo insisted. It was hard for him to read, especially because of his dyslexia, but he was determined. He laid on the floor, resting his chin on one hand as the other held the book open

He bit his lip, trying desperately to read his one line. But his dyslexia seemed to want to piss him off, making it seem like the d's were b's or the m's were w's. The words just looked like they were moving and he closed the book, sighing.

He rubbed his eyes, "Come on... Why is this so hard...?"

"Are you alright?"

Tubbo turned and saw none other than the blonde king, making him blush. He looked away, embarrassed, "S-Sorry, I just... reading is hard for me... I have dyslexia..."

"Oh, I understand." Phil nodded, walking over and sitting beside him, "'Antarctic History and Cultures' and 'Piglin Traditions: Made of Gold.' Are you nervous about the ceremony?"

"Y-Yeah, a bit..." Tubbo admitted, "...I just want to make sure I do everything right..."

"You worry too much, Tubbo."

"Easy for you to say... You're the king! You're super strong and everyone knows it! Everyone respects you!" Tubbo huffed, "I know I'm strong, but the only people who has seen it are the people who watched the tournament... Not a lot of people respect me, they respect that Techno and I are together. It's just frustrating... I feel like if I learn and do perfect at the ceremony, maybe more people will respect me..."

Phil blinked before his eyes narrowed, "...Is that how my staff is treating you? If so, I will talk to them about it. You are not just Techno's boyfriend, lover, mate, whatever else you want to call it. You are part of the royal family now, you should be treated with respect." Tubbo blinked and looked at him, in shock, making Phil chuckle and smile, "Don't think that just because you're dating the Bloody General you are any less than us. Yes, I am the king, Wilbur is the prince, and, although he technically isn't royalty, Techno is our general. He's like my brother and the people do consider him a prince. They will do the same for you. If they don't, the one and only Technoblade with fix their attitude."

Tubbo chuckled.

Phil smiled, "Don't feel like you have to be perfect at the ceremony, you don't. If we wanted a perfect ceremony, you would be a girl, seeing as people back in the old days believed you couldn't possibly like the same gender!" 

Tubbo laughed, "People were crazy back then."

"Yes they were." Phil chuckled, gently patting Tubbo's back, "Seriously, though. You don't have to be perfect. My ceremony wasn't." He groaned at the memory, "I tripped over Kristen's gown..."

Tubbo burst out laughing, "I-I'm sorry, but that just- ahahaha!"

"Oh, I know. Wilbur always laughs when I tell him too!"

The brunette giggled, calming down, "Hehe, thanks, Phil..."

The blonde smiled, "No problem, mate. Do me a favor and clean this when you're done?"

"Of course." Tubbo nodded.

Phil smiled and left the library, shutting the door. Tubbo smiled and looked down at the books.

Suddenly, he felt a slight breeze. 

Not making a big deal out of it, he simply moved his hand under his stomach as the other opened the book again. He listened carefully as he slowly grabbed the knife, hidden under his shirt.

He felt someone jump on his back, Tubbo moving to slam his elbow into their sides as he flipped over. The person groaned as Tubbo moved the knife to their throat, pausing.

"Tommy?!" Tubbo gasped.

"Dude, that fucking hurt..." The blonde groaned, holding his side.

"S-Sorry, I- w-wait, no, you scared the shit out of me!" Tubbo stood up, helping the other up, "You deserved that!"

Tommy hugged the other, "Nice to see you too." He then pulled back, "Though, what the fuck are you wearing? You some sort of princess now?"

"H-Hey-"

"Whatever, doesn't matter!" The blonde put his mask on, "Come on! We found a way to get back home!"

"We?"

"Me, Dream, and Bad! We can go home now!" He took the other's hand, leading him to the window, "Come on!"

Tubbo hesitated. He yanked his arm back, "NO!"

Tommy stopped, facing him as he removed his mask once more, "...No? What do you mean no?"

"I-I mean no!" Tubbo crossed his arms, "I-I'm happy here!"

"...Tubbo, stop messing around! We're going home-"

"I want to stay, Thomas." Tubbo hissed, making the blonde stiffen at the use of his real name, "I... I have a family here, I have a home, I... I have the person I love."

"Tubbo, this isn't you're home-"

"Yes it is-"

"Toby, wake up!" Tommy grabbed his shoulders, glaring with tears in his eyes, "You are saying you want to say with the alternate version of my father and two brothers, one of which you're in love with, rather than come home with me, your best fucking friend in the whole world where the real Philza, Technoblade, Wilbur, Niki, Ranboo, Fundy, and everyone else are waiting?! YOU were the one who was so homesick before!"

"T-That was before!" Tubbo pushed him back, tears in his own eyes, "I... I don't have anything there, Tommy... Other than you, I got nothing... Here? I have a family, that's all I've ever wanted, Tommy, you know that!"

Tommy began to cry, frustrated and angry tears running down his cheeks, "You'd choose your boyfriend who've you known for a couple months rather than your best friend who you've known for years?"

"I'm not choosing people, I'm choosing worlds."

"You're choosing the world with your boyfriend-"

"Fiance..." Tubbo corrected, looking away.

Tommy widened his eyes, looking and noticing the ring on his finger, "...You... you're serious? You're marrying my brother?!"

"H-He's not your brother, not in this world! A-And I don't want to here it when you're dating the person who has almost killed us multiple times!"

"Tubbo?" 

The two turned and heard Techno.

"We gotta go, come on-"

"No, Tommy!" Tubbo stepped back, "I'm staying."

"Tubbo, are you okay?"

"Toby, what am I without you?" The blonde asked, holding back a sob.

Tubbo hugged him tightly, "Yourself..."

"Tubbo?! Is something wrong?! Why aren't you responding?!"

Tubbo pulled back, "Go, Tommy. It's fine." He smiled, "We'll see each other again."

Tommy put his mask on to cover his crying face as he hugged Tubbo once more, "T-Take care of yourself, big man."

"Y-You too..." Tubbo held back his tears.

The doorknob turned.

Tommy pulled back and ran out the window. Tubbo moved towards it, seeing the other land softly on a roof with the help of magic. Tommy turned around, waving at him. Tubbo smiled and waved back. He watched as Tommy took another figure's hand, most likely Dream's, as they followed another figure, probably Bad.

"Tubbo!"

The brunette turned, seeing Techno.

"Are you alright? Phil told me your worries about the- what's wrong?" He walked over, wiping the brunette's eyes, "Why're you on the verge of tears, Lava Bee?"

Tubbo smiled, closing his eyes as he leaned into Techno's hands, "I... I just made a really hard choice, that's all..."

He pulled the other down for a kiss, the hybrid kissing back. When they pulled back, Tubbo hugged the other tightly, a few tears staining Techno's shirt.

Techno hugged back, just as tight, "...Was it the right choice?"

"...O-Only time will tell..." Tubbo responded.

We'll see each other again.

The brunette would hold onto that hope, just like he knew Tommy would.

Chapter Text

"Are you sure you're ready to do this?" Bad asked Tommy, "If you want to come back, it might take a bit to get you both back."

"That's okay." Tommy reassured, "I mean, even if you don't find a way back right away, we still got each other." He bit his lip, "...I'm not alone."

Dream took Tommy's hand, "You'll never be alone again, Toms, I'll make sure of that."

Tommy looked at the other blonde and smiled, nodding.

Bad smiled at them before hesitating, "Dream... are you sure you want to go?"

"Positive."

"W-We're just... we're going to miss you... Me, Skeppy, Sapnap, and George..."

Dream hugged the demon tightly, "Don't worry, we'll come back! Don't think of this as a goodbye, just a... see you later!"

Bad chuckled, hugging the other back, just as tightly, "Alright..." They pulled back and Dream took Tommy's hand, "You both ready?"

They nodded.

The demon opened the book and began saying things in another language, placing his hand on the floor. The ground beneath the two began cracking, glowing. The two squeezed their hands tighter before the ground broke and they fell, screaming as they were transported.

~~~

Tommy woke up with a groan, sitting up. He was in a bamboo forest and- wait... no, this wasn't a bamboo forest...

He looked around, seeing Dream beside him, groaning as well. He shook the other's shoulder, "Dream! Dream, wake up!"

The blonde groaned, his eyes fluttering open, "...Five more minutes..."

"Dream, come on!" Tommy shook the other more.

Dream's eyes fluttered opened and he sat up, groaning, "Ug, let's never do that again..."

"Dream, we're here!" Tommy exclaimed, taking the other's hand, "Come on, let me should you around!"

"A-Ah, wait, Tommy-"

The young man laughed as he began showing the other blonde around, pointing to different houses, showing off some of the buildings they created, even going to L'Manburg.

"This place actually got blown up, it's why there's a huge crater under the houses and stuff, but we make it work!" Tommy exclaimed.

"Tommy?"

The blonde turned and smiled, "DAD!"

Dream followed his gaze and was surprised to see Philza, who ran over to the other and hugged the boy tightly, tears in his eyes. ...So... this Philza isn't a king...? Wow, they look exactly the same, their clothes are the only thing that's really different.

"Dad, I missed you!"

"You missed me?!" Phil pulled back, "T-Tommy, we thought you and Tubbo died!"

"What, why?" 

"After two or three months, we tracked you both down to a temple, but it was destroyed, crumbled! It..." Phil bit his lip, "It would have killed you... A-And you've been missing for almost a year... I... I thought I lost you..."

Tommy smiled, hugging the other, "Come on, Dad, you know I'm stronger than that! I'd never die from a temple crumbling on top of me, I'd die in an awesome duel and be recognized a hero!"

Phil chuckled, "Yes, how could I forget?" He blinked and saw Dream, smiling, "Oh, uh, hello! You must be a friend of Tommy's! Sorry if this is a bit awkward for you."

"Not at all." Dream chuckled, offering his hand, "My name is Clay."

"Philza, but everyone calls me Phil." The man shook his hand.

Tommy pulled back, "I'm gonna show Clay to Techno's house! I want to show him everything!"

Phil smiled, "I'll come with. Need to make sure Techno doesn't have a heart attack. I'm pretty sure Ghostbur and Friend are there too."

Tommy nodded and took Dream's hand, the three walking to the Nether Portal.

~~~

Tubbo looked himself in the mirror, blushing darkly. He didn't mind the outfit, he definitely like it, it was just embarrassing to think he was going to be seen in this by the whole Antarctic Empire. He fixed the golden circlet around his head as well as the bracelet, turning around in the mirror.

...I wish Tommy could see me... He thought.

It had been a few days since his last interaction with his friend and, honestly, he missed him. It was weird, because when he was here in the world, it wasn't a big deal. Tommy was still there, so he knew he could see him any time. However, now, he couldn't...

"Are you alright?"

Tubbo turned and saw the famous seer, "Eret..."

The seer smiled, "Hello, Tubbo. Do you miss Tommy?"

"How did-"

"I can see the future." Eret shut the door, "I can do lots of things. If you want, I can use some magic to send you back, but only for an hour, seeing as you only have an hour and a half before the ceremony."

Tubbo widened his eyes, "...Could... Could you bring Tommy back?"

"I could, with his permission."

Tubbo smiled and nodded, "Please!"

Eret smiled, taking the other's hands in his. Tubbo stared into the seer's eyes before he grew tired, his eyes fluttering close. When he opened them, he shivered at the cold, seeing his breath as he breathed. He looked down and noticed his yellow gold dress was gone, instead he was wearing his green shirt and black jeans. 

He looked up and gasped, seeing Technoblade's home.

Okay, this is awkward... He thought, running over. He knocked on the door and Techno opened the door, widening his eyes.

"Phil, there's an orphan at the door!" Technoblade teased.

"OI!" Tubbo playfully glared, "That's no way to greet your brother's best friend!"

"TUBBO?!" Tommy ran over, jumping into the other's arms.

Tubbo laughed and was pulled in, Phil also hugging him once inside.

"Tubbo, you remember Clay, right?" Tommy exclaimed, subtly implying to call him by his false name.

Tubbo saw Dream, who smiled and waved, "Oh, hi Clay! How do you like our little town so far?"

"It's really nice!" Dream smiled, "Tommy's been showing me all kinds of cool things!"

The group talked for about half an hour before Tommy and Dream had to leave, Tubbo following. Once outside, the brunette asked the two if they wanted to come to his and Techno's (from the other world) ceremony. He explained he could bring them back and the two nodded. Tubbo smiled brightly, hugging his best friend tightly.

After the hour was up, Tubbo took Tommy's hand in his, Tommy grabbing Dream's with his other hand as they closed their eyes. Once they opened it again, they were in Tubbo's room, Eret leaning against the door.

"Woah..." Dream hummed, "This... is very fancy..."

"It is a castle." Eret teased, "I'm going to teleport you two into the crowd, so try not to make it obvious you don't exactly belong." He snapped, Tommy and Techno gone.

Tubbo, back in his gold dress, smiled, "Thank you, Eret."

"Of course. Now, finish your last touches before you're escorted." Eret opened the door and left.

Maids came inside to do the brunette's hair, simply brushing it and clipping his bangs back. They connected a veil to his circlet, not daring to try to remove it. After all, this was his courting gift. Once they were finished, guards came in to escort Tubbo as he was given a bouquet of golden roses.

He blushed as he was led to the large door, taking a deep breath. The door to the outside opened and the guards moved, allowing Tubbo to walk as the entire empire looked at him. He stiffened, blushing darkly with all eyes on him. I'm gonna mess up, I'm gonna mess up, I'm gonna-

His blue eyes met red eyes, the piglin hybrid staring at him with Wilbur by him, Phil standing behind the podium, ready to give them a blessing. Tubbo smiled, taking a step forward, ignoring everyone else. Techno stared at him with such a dumbfounded loving look, as if he was genuinely surprised he was going to marry him.

Techno wore a suit with a pink tie, a golden rose embroidered on his suit pocket, not to mention the golden roses tangled in his braided hair.

"He looks so pretty!" Wilbur whispered, Schlatt standing beside him, who nodded.

Techno smiled, whispering back, "He looks perfect."

Tubbo reached him, standing in front of the hybrid with a smile. Phil recited the Antarctic Empire's introduction to any type of ceremony before it actually began. Wilbur held up two pure gold rings, each with a diamond on it.

Techno took Tubbo's left hand, slipping the ring on his finger before taking his right hand, "Tubbo. With this ring, it symbolizes you are my mate, that we have completed the piglin courting tradition." Schlatt handed Techno the ceremonial knife, "And with a drop of our blood, it will connect us."

He was careful as he cut the brunette's hand, a drop of blood landing on the diamond on his own ring. Tubbo held back a gasp as the diamond turned from white to red, as if reacting to his blood.

Tubbo slipped the, now, red diamond ring on Techno's left hand, "Technoblade." He had to take a deep breath, knowing everyone was looking at him, "W-With this ring, it symbolizes my acceptance, that I accept your courting." He was given the knife, shaking as he lifted it to Techno's hand, scared.

"You can do it, Bee. It's just us here, forget everyone else." Techno whispered so silently, he was surprised he heard it.

Tubbo smiled, his worries disappearing. He carefully cut the hybrid's right hand, "And with a drop of out blood, it will connect us."

He moved the hybrid's hand to his own ring, Tubbo letting a drop of the hybrid's blood land on his ring, turning it into a red diamond. They intertwined their hands, Techno leaning his forehead on the other's, both smiling. They ignored Phil taking their left hands, giving a blessing directly from the king of the empire. They ignored their hands healing as the rings turned gold, shooting a spark of light out of the rings. They ignored the gold dust falling around us, the golden flowers they had turning red and a light blue.

"Now we kiss, right?" Tubbo whispered with a giggle.

"Now we kiss, because out love is pure." Techno nodded.

Techno held Tubbo's cheeks as he kissed him gently, the brunette wrapping his arms around the piglin's shoulders. The empire cheered, Phil smiling brightly, and Wilbur playfully gagging.

"What, you want a kiss~?" Schlatt cooed, puckering his lips.

"Yuck, don't touch me!" Wilbur teased, pushing him back.

Tubbo and Techno pulled back, smiling lovingly at each other. Techno picked the brunette up bridal style, continuing to kiss his neck, earning a giggle. Tubbo saw, behind a pillar, Dream and Tommy waved, his best friend giving him a massive thumbs up. Tubbo smiled as he saw the two disappear before he looked back at Techno, who happily carried him down the aisle.

Tubbo grabbed his cheeks and pulled him in for a kiss, "I love you, Pretty Man..."

Techno blushed and smiled, "I love you too, Lava Bee."

The ceremony continued, Tubbo happy in Techno's arms.

Chapter Text

Dream and Tommy made a house together on the SMP Lands, Tommy teaching the other everything about their world. Dream kept his mask off and introduced himself to everyone as Clay, seeing as there already was a Dream and there was no need to cause panic.

"Come on!"

Dream turned, holding a block of polished diorite as Tommy held a couple of different flowers, both hearing the voice. 

"Tubbo?" Tommy gasped, seeing the brunette with Technoblade, though from the other world.

Tubbo turned and smiled, waving, "Hi Toms!" 

The two friends ran towards each other and embraced one another in Techno and Dream standing beside them. The two simply nodded at each other as the two friends hugged.

"H-How did you get here?! I mean, isn't it hard?" Tommy asked.

Techno placed his hand on Tubbo's shoulder, "The Antarctic Empire's Seer is amazing at his job. However, we have limited time. Two hours."

Tubbo nodded, "After the two hours, we go back to the other world-"

"Where you're a little princess~!" Tommy snickered.

"I-It's not like that-"

"It's kind of like that-"

Tubbo glared and playfully punched Techno's chest, "Whose side are you on?!"

Techno blinked and looked at Tommy, "It's not like that at all." He said, extremely sarcastically, making Dream and Tommy laugh as the brunette puffed out his cheeks.

"Hey, it's Tubbo!"

The four turned and said brunette and Tommy stiffened. It was Sapnap, which wasn't a problem, but he was with George and Dream. As in, their Dream. The one who almost killed them multiple times.

"Been awhile, Tubbo, I-"

"Tommy, who the fuck is beside you?" Their Dream hissed.

Clay smiled, "Hi, I'm Clay and-"

Dream went to grab Clay, who dodged. Clay glared, kicking at the other, who blocked it before slamming his fist in the blonde's face. Clay groaned and swiped Dream's feet, who fell back. Both took out their weapons and slammed it against each other, their stances standing strong as they pushed at each other.

"Hey, I don't fucking appreciate you attacking me without knowing who I am!" Clay hissed, his enchanted Netherite sword (which Tommy gave him) able to stand against Dream's enchanted Netherite axe.

"Well I don't fucking agree with the fact you look exactly like me!" Dream hissed back, both pushing harder at each other.

"In case you are blind, dumbass, I don't exactly wear a white mask everwhere."

Dream removed his mask and, just like he had said, their faces were exactly the same. The only difference, really, was the large scar over Dream's right eye, "Better?"

"D-Dream, stop! Let him go!" Tommy pushed the other back, "He's not-"

"The fuck is this?!" Dream yelled, glaring at the younger blonde, "What the hell did you do?!"

"W-Woah, Dream, um, I didn't know you had a twin!" George jumped in front of the blonde, trying to liven up the mood with a joke.

"I don't he-"

"He's from another world."

The large group looked at the ravenette, who was messing with his communicator, most likely texting Quackity or Karl.

"What...?" Dream questioned.

Sapnap hummed, "Karl told me about them. After all, he's able to go back in time and such, why wouldn't he know about the other worlds? Besides, Bad's a demon and my adopted dad. He's told me all about them when I was younger."

"W-Wait, is that true?" George looked at the four, Tubbo and Tommy smiling awkwardly, Techno shrugging, and Clay glaring at Dream, "I-I'm guessing so."

"My question is how you two managed to cross between worlds and how Tubbo and Tommy knew about them." Sapnap said before he giggled from a small beep.

"Stop flirting with Quackity or Karl and explain!" Dream growled.

"Oi, don't yell at me! I explained all I know!"

Dream looked at Tommy with a glare, "Explain."

"Don't talk to him like that!" Clay raised his sword to Dream's neck, the other doing the same with his axe.

"Long story short, whenTomsandIweretravelingonourownwesawthistempleandItouchedsomethingandweteleportedintoanewworldandthisisTechnobladefromthatworldandthisisDreamfromthatworldandwe'resortadatingthem!" Tubbo said in one breath, gasping for air as everyone tried to catch up, Techno holding him up.

"...O-Okay, I think I got it." George laughed awkwardly.

Tubbo gave an awkward thumbs up, smiling.

"Wait, did you just say you are both dating alternate versions of myself and Technoblade?!" Dream blushed, glaring more at Clay, "How the hell did that happen?!"

"HEY, WOULD YOU LOOK AT THE TIME!" Tubbo screamed, taking Techno's hand, "WE NEED TO GO!"

"HEY, LET ME AND CLAY JOIN YOU!" Tommy laughed awkwardly, taking Clay's hand as he and the brunette lead the way, the four running.

"OI, GET BACK HERE AND EXPLAIN! TOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMYYYY!!!"

~~~

"Wow, this is the Nether?" Techno questioned as he and Tubbo walked around, "This is... so bare."

"Ha, yeah. Every structure you see is handmade! Other than the Nether Fortresses and Bastions!" Tubbo explained.

"Wow... So weird..."

Tubbo giggled at Techno's curiosity. They continued walking around, Tubbo explaining and enjoying Techno's amazement.

"...Tubbo, who's that?" 

The brunette stiffened as Techno turned. They both looked and saw this world's version of Technoblade, the Piglin version of Technoblade.

"T-Technoblade! Um, well, this is-"

"Ah, so you're the alternate version of me." Pretty Man chuckled, looking down at the brunette, "I can see why I surprised you."

Technoblade was in shock, "...Explain...?"

Pretty Man chuckled again and offered his hand, "Well Tubbo and Tommy accidentally messed with a temple and teleported to a new world where there are alternate versions of yourself, Philza, Wilbur, Dream, George, Sapnap, ect. In short, my name is Technoblade but I'm from a different world."

Technoblade hummed, "...Honestly, I've seen some crazy stuff."

"Y-You're not shocked?" Tubbo asked.

"Oh, no, I'm shocked, I just have seen a lot of crazy stuff. Examples being Ghostbur and his sheep and how it apparently is immortal..."

Tubbo chuckled, nodding as Pretty Man looked a him confused, "True, true. I'm just glad you took it so well... Dream was not very happy..."

"I always thought Clay was odd. So, he's the other Dream?"

The three continued talking, Pretty Man explaining how he was so amazed by the Nether, Techno chuckling and nodding. Techno eventually went home as Pretty Man and Tubbo went back to Dream and Tommy, who continued making their house together. They helped as much as they could before their hands began glowing.

"Oh, seems our time is up!" Tubbo exclaimed, quickly hugging Tommy, "I'll try to visit as often as I can!"

"See you next time, princess!" Tommy teased as Techno picked Tubbo up bridal style.

Tubbo rolled his eyes, sticking his tongue out.

They disappeared and Dream hugged Tommy from behind.

Tommy turned, teasing, "Jealous?"

"Little bit." Dream teased back.

The two shared a gentle kiss, hugging tightly. When they pulled back, they smiled at one another before they continued making the house.

~~~

"A-Ah, Wilbur, wait-!"

"Come on, don't be a pussy!"

"Language, Schlatt!"

"Tubbo, come on, you look great!"

"S-Stop pulling! I'm going to trip!"

Phil and Techno stopped their conversation and turned, watching as Tubbo nearly fell in due to the two preteens pushing and pulling him. Phil widened his eyes and smiled, Techno's whole face turning a bright red as the brunette stood up, dusting off his dress.

"Jeez, you two need to stop pushing, I-"

"Tubbo." 

The brunette looked up, blushing as Techno walked over to him, taking his left hand and kissing the ring. He blushed, smiling, "Techno."

"You look beautiful." Techno picked the other up, kissing his cheek as they left the room.

Tubbo chuckled, "Where are we going, big man?"

"Bedroom, where else?" Techno kissed his neck, sucking small marks into it.

Tubbo giggled, letting out a soft moan.

Even if they were worlds away from where they were born, both Tommy and Dream as well as Tubbo and Techno were happy with their decisions and, most of all, happy with their partners.