Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Karl liked art. He had always liked art, it was a way for him to escape. When he wasn't allowed to make friends in fear he would turn into something other than his parents wanted. His parents were like any supposed normal family should be (Karl hated that was considered normal). He hated that his family would never love him if they ever found out Karl's true... way of life, he supposed was the best way to put it. He knew his mother didn't mind that he did art and his father didn't care either as long as he was the best at it. His siblings, Korry and Sean, were some of his older siblings. He hadn't seen them in a while. Karl didn't ask questions because he was in no mood of being kicked out this early. He knew eventually his parents would know, they'd know and Karl wouldn't be able to forgive himself. Karl told themselves they loved his parents, after all, they had raised them. Karl was grateful for their parents, even if they weren't always the most supportive. They just wanted what was best for him. They supported his dreams of art as long as god forbid he be gay. 

But, Karl wasn't gay. 

He wasn't, no way. 

Then why did his heart beat a little faster around the football player, Nick, better known as Sapnap?

He and Sapnap weren't really friends per say, in fact they had barely ever interacted because Sapnap was a year younger than he. He was in a few advanced classes, much to Karl's surprise, and that was originally how they met. They were put together for a project in Advanced Chemistry in Karl's sophomore year and Sapnap's Freshman year. They hadn't become best friends but they did become more than strangers. Sapnap actually helped in the project, even if it was just being moral support and trying his best to help, despite him getting distracted. He also told him a lot about Dream and George, who were dating at the time and how he was close friends with the both of them. Karl only mildly cared, but pretended not to notice the disappointment in his eyes. Because dammit Sapnap was too pretty to look that disappointed about a stupid boy like George. To be fair, not many thought the Captain of the Football team would come out as gay during Freshman Pride Month, but no one actually was a dick about it. Mostly because they were afraid he would like deck them. Karl wishes he had the same treatment, but he didn't. 

Karl was the artist, the best even, but that meant nothing to the conservatives of Minecraft high, the bullies. Karl tried not to think of it. He hated thinking of it. 

In current times, he hadn't spoken to Sapnap in a long time. He thinks he had started dating some guy named Quakity to help make Jchlatt jealous for Quakity. Apparently Quakity and Jchlatt had been off and on for a couple years and Sapnap was tired of them dancing around each other and decided to do something. Sapnap and Quakity were obviously just talking and being good friends, but Karl still felt hurt by it. But, it's not like he could do anything. Sapnap didn't like him like that. He never did and never would. He wished-

"Oof," he huffed when he bumped into someone. He glanced up. Just his fucking luck.

"It's cool," Dream said with a cheeky grin, "Try not to daze out again!"

"Fuck off," Karl scoffed, walking off to find his classes. He was going to be late if he kept dealing with this like that. He tried to ignore how effortlessly pretty the football captain looked with his freckles. His fangs he could see when he gave him that grin. He also tried to ignore the want to thread his fingers through the captain's mousey blonde hair. He definitely tried to ignore how fucking green his eyes were and how-

Okay, that's enough gay for the day.

Karl found his classroom immediately after the incident with Dream. It wasn't even an incident, he just really hated running into that idiot. They tried not to think about how nice his hands felt on his shoulders when the steadied him. It wasn't as if Karl was short, 5'11, it was just Dream was freakishly tall with about 6'2. Karl shook his head, he needs to focus on art at the moment, not the pretty face of an idiot he'd never see again. Well, never interact with was a better wording for that. After all, Dream was popular. It was only a matter of time before he saw him again.

But them being talked too? They don't think so.

Karl took a deep breath, it was finally lunch. He loves his classes, but as it's the beginning of the year, the teachers are especially exhausting. Maybe that's just senior fever talking. He could really care less about his grades and the only reason he's still trying so hard is so his parents will pay for art school instead of having to focus on other things. His parents said if he keeps his place as number one in the grade they'll pay for art school. But, what they don't know is he's also been saving up for art school just in case. Karl had a secret bank account with nearly $50,000 because of him selling any art he had made the past four years. He also hopes to get a scholarship, but who knows. He decides to eat outside because he really doesn't want to deal with the drama of the cafeteria sitting. He found a nice tree right by the football field (he's just a gay mess, sue him). Karl noticed they weren't out there which made him assume they had lunch, just his luck, he sighed. Pulling out his sketch pad, he begun to sketch the outside of the football field, adding tiny details he had seen when he had to take pictures for journalism when he was in freshman year. He took out his phone to look at the pictures he had saved in his Freshman 20XX year when everything felt a little simpler. 

Right when he thought things were gonna be great for his lunch, Dream walked up to him. Karl looked up at him, not expecting to see the football captain sit down next to him, looking over his shoulder every few seconds. 

"Hey, Jacobs. Do you mind if I join you?" he asked briskly, already taking out his lunch. Karl replied with an unamused, 'sure', which got a grin out of Dream, "Thanks! Do you usually sit out here? I don't think I've ever seen you out here before."

Karl shook his head, "I change spots. I've sat here before, but not for a few weeks."

"Oh! You were the guy under the tree a few weeks ago when tryouts were going on!"

Karl flushed, fuck was he that obvious, "Yeah, I was bored and didn't wanna go home."

"Fair enough," Dream responded, taking a bit out of the school lasana, "What did you bring?"

Karl looked at his lunch which he hadn't touched yet, "Sandwich and some fruit."

"Sounds scrumptious."

"Did you just say the word scrumptious?"

"That I did, Jacobs."

Karl blanked his face and munched on his sandwich, ignoring the fluttering in his stomach, "So, Dream, why did you decide to come sit with me, today?"

Dream looked uncomfortable, he peeked over his shoulder and saw Sapnap and George (as well as the rest of the football team) looking over here, "Ah. Is George trying to get back with you?"

Dream looked relieved that he already knew, "Yeah, I don't... okay, what I'm gonna ask... you can say no-"

"Just spit it out, idiot," Karl hummed, picking at his nails.

"Will you be my fake boyfriend?"

Karl coughed, "What?!"

"I wanna get George off my tail and since I bumped into you earlier I thought-"

fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck

what would his parents say

no no no

yes yes yes

noYES

"Karl?"

Karl looked up, "You'll have to court me first. I don't just jump into relationships, fake or not."

Dream brightened up, "So-"

"Yes, sure. But you have to do all the things. How long will this arrangement last?"

"As long as it takes for George to get off my tail. The end of the school year, perhaps?"

"Seems a bit too long for a fake-relationship."

"Fair, um, maybe in three months?"

"Sure," Karl said and thankfully the bell rung. Saved by the bell. Karl noted Dream looked a little too happy for a fake-relationship, but who was he to question the king of the school?

"Karl!" called Quakity, "There you are. Why didn't you tell me?"

Karl turned around, confusion all over his face, "What? I thought I told you about the art tickets-"

"No, you dunderhead! You didn't tell me you were dating THE Dream," Quakity exclaimed, "Look at you little fox."

Karl rolled his eyes, "Yeah, he asked me out at lunch yesterday."

"Why do you look so off put by it?"

Right when Karl was about to respond, an arm wrapped around the tall boy, Karl rolled his eyes, forcing affection in his eyes, "Yeah, babe! Why do you hide how much you like me? I'm offended!"

Karl rolled his eyes, turning in the others arm to look at him, "You're certainly the gossip king, aren't you, pretty boy?"

Dream chuckled at the nickname, red flushed on his cheeks and Karl had to admit he's a good actor, but Karl could do better, "Aw, you find me pretty?"

"Why else would I be with you dork? Also, I don't think you gave me your number."

Quakity made a gasp of surprise, "You two are dating and didn't trade numbers?!"

Karl snickered, "Yes, you know how football players are."

Dream whined, "Karl~ And give me your phone."

Karl handed him his phone and took Dream's phone. 

[enter phone number?]

[yes or no?]

[yes]

[xxx-xxx-xxxx]

[contact name?]

[karl <3]

Karl handed him back his phone, eagerly ready to see what his fake boyfriend had put in his phone. 

[clay <33]

notes: ur super cute and cool bf

Karl rolled his eyes, but felt the affection forming in his chest. This was bad. He shouldn't be forming affection this quickly. 

"Aw, y'all are actually really cute," Quakity said, "Anyways, Karl. I have a date with Jchaltt tonight but we can chat more about the details later?"

Karl nodded, "Sure. My parents are out of town tonight, I think they're going to visit my siblings."

"Oh! Awesome, you do like it when there gone-"

"Oh, shut up Alex," groaned Karl, "Go pretend you like school."

"Sure, sure."

Karl turned back to Dream - Clay? and said, "So, what class do you have?"

"Oh, I got practice. You?"

"I actually have this period free-"

"Do you wanna come watch practice?" he asked excitedly. What the fuck did Karl get himself wrapped up in? But because of how cute excited he looked, Karl agreed. 

Chapter Text

Karl thought Dream was an idiot, not that it mattered, but Dream was surprisingly or unsurprisingly a good boyfriend. Fake-boyfriend. Whatever, he did a fantastic job playing his part and Karl started to melt into his own role. Dream would offer to walk him to class and Karl would allow him to. They'd talk while their hands danced close to each other, fingers brushing up against each other but neither moving to connect their hands or pull their hands farther away. Which was fine. More than fine, if anything. Karl was touch-starved. A side effect of having never dated someone did that to you. Karl would start to lean into whenever Dream put his arm around his shoulder when he came and crashed conversations with mean people who wanted Karl to "break up" with Dream. Karl would try and tell them to mind their own business, but they'd ignore him. Throwing insults at the boy for his fair, their nails, their anything really. Karl would feel like they were suffocating. Then, like a knight in shining armor (he hated himself for thinking that, but fuck it that was the only description he could think of), Dream came and shut them up. 

The first time it happened, Karl had done a decent job not suffocating under the pressures of the bully's unkind words. He had sent the insults right back before starting to walk away when one of them put their hands on him, squeezing his wrist a little to hard and leaving a bruise mark, he was sure. They pulled their arm away and frowned. 

"What was that for?" he asked, "I didn't do anything wrong!"

"You shouldn't be dating Dream. DreamNotFound is the only valid ship! You're a complete nobody."

Karl crumbled in on himself, they're not even really dating but that still stings. But like a fresh breath of air, an arm wrapped around his shoulder. He glanced up to see an annoyed look in those gorgeous green eyes. They looked more annoyed than Karl had ever seen. Maybe they looked like that at football games when the other team was making a comeback (yes he had gone to a football game to watch Sapnap). But, this was different. It was more personal. He was not annoyed at something for the school, he was annoyed for himself. 

For Karl. 

"Hey baby," Dream hummed, milking the pet name. Which made Karl's insides feel something magical and something more real than he ever had before, "Who is this?"

The other looked panicked. He didn't think it was real, mused Karl, which he's right of course. But, he didn't think that Dream would show up to his defense. Hell, Karl didn't think Dream would show up to his defense. But he did. 

Karl sighed, "Not sure. Just another DNF fan who thinks I'm the scum of the Earth."

Dream rolled his eyes, "Hey, buddy. Mind your business. I'm allowed to date whoever the hell I want. Stop comparing Karl to George. They're two different people."

The other guy stuttered out apologizes before running away. Karl giggled softly, missing the affection in Dream's eyes when he looked down to check and see if he was okay. Dream had not been expecting to hear such a lovely sound come out of the little artists mouth. Dream stared at him for a solid 8 seconds, longer than socially acceptable. He briefly wondered what Karl was doing tonight. He wanted to spend more time with his fake-boyfriend, who was becoming more like his friend if anything. They were simply associates. 

Who kissed. 

And hugged. 

And did a number of other things.

Well, as long as they were around a crowd. 

Dream was sitting in Calculus when he walked up to him. His Ex, George Not Found, that is. George was as beautiful as ever, Dream had to admit, but what truly surprised him was the sincerity in his eyes. Dream was well aware of all the people who wanted Dream to give George a second chance. But, Dream didn't give second chances. Especially with cheaters. Dream hated liars and cheaters were the worst of the liars. Sure, Dream could be a little more manipulative than most, but it didn't make him any less... likeable. Perhaps it was because of his easy-going attitude, or the mousy brown hair you could see just above his mask. He liked to wear this doctor's face mask whenever possible, usually only taking it off to eat or to play football. No one really commented on it and Dream gave no explanation and honestly it really was none of their business. Dream was allowed to do whatever he wanted with his own body, who were they to tell him he was wrong? 

"Dream," George said wistfully, sitting down, "How are you?"

Dream wanted to throw up, that's how he felt, "Hey George, what can I do for you?"

"Oh, I just wanted to congratulate your new boyfriend, Jacobs right?" George asked a little sweetly. Dream narrowed his eyes. Fake-boyfriend or not, Dream was not going to let George walk all over Karl. 

"Yes, thank you. I really like him," Dream smiled politely as possible and somehow keeping his eyes neutral. He didn't like that his ex was talking to him. Sure, if you wanna be friends with your ex, pop off, but Dream didn't see the need to. It hurt too much and it just felt too much like a type rope. He also knew that he'd eventually have to tell Sapnap about his relationship with Karl. He knew Karl used to have a crush on Sapnap, don't ask him how he just knows and well he would hate to loose Karl... they're not even dating he just needs help getting this arrangement out of the way. 

It's a fake-relationship after all. 

"I'm so glad, but I must say I feel like you downgraded," mused George, further pissing Dream off, "I mean, though you were the one to break up with me I feel like I had a major glow up-!"

"George, not to be rude, but we aren't together anymore. I have a boyfriend. I'm not interested any longer. Leave me alone," Dream growled, looking back at his work to go back to working on fucking Calculus, hopefully he'd see Karl next period. 

Karl knew something was up when Dream practically stormed out of his classroom. 

Karl had decided to wait outside of Dream's classroom because he was let out of his own class early and had hoped to sit at lunch with his fake boyfriend. He would have let the other make the decision but his friends were busy and Karl largely suspected it was because they wanted Karl to sit with Dream. So, Karl had waited patiently outside of his classroom. When he stormed out, Karl gently grabbed the other's wrist. He snapped his glare to him before his eyes visually softened. Karl's heart squeezed. Karl rose an eyebrow and Dream shook his head in response. Karl nodded before pulling him off to their new designated spot, under the tree next to the football field. 

When they arrived, Karl had still yet to let go of Dream's hand. Karl had yet to initiate any form of PDA so he knew that this was a big step, even if they were just fake-dating. Especially for all the new and rising KarlWasTaken shippers. Karl sat them down before sitting a little closer than usual to Dream, hoping the somewhat silent lunch and close capacity would calm the other and make sure he was calmed. Thankfully, it started to work. 

"Do you wanna talk about it, Clay?" Karl asked softly, prodding the use of his first name to see what the reaction would be.  

Dream let out a sigh, "George... he walked up to me in class and started talking shit about you. It just really annoyed me-"

"DREAM!"

Karl looked up- oh fuck. 

It was Sapnap, the Sapnap Karl had a crush on for three years. This was not going to end well. 

"Oh, hey Sap," Dream said casually as Karl nearly tried to choke him out from inside their head. 

"Oh! Wait, so this is Karl, the Karl you're dating now right?"

Karl waved at him, "Hey."

Dream nodded, "This is my beautiful boyfriend, Karl Jacobs."

"I think you're an idiot," Karl mumbled sweetly. Sapnap noticed the open adoration in his eyes. 

Sapnap sat down in front of them, "Anyways, nice to meet you Karl! If this idiot ever treats you wrong, I would not be against taking you out."

"With a shotgun or on a date?" Karl asks pleasantly.

"How about I surprise you?"

"Do the two of you share a brain cell?" Karl asked, glancing at Dream who looked annoyed and... something else. So, Karl did the unthinkable and reached a hand over, reconnecting their hands and using his thumb to trace the calluses on the younger man's hand. Karl continued to talk to Sapnap, who either ignored the hand gesture or was too obvious to see it and honestly? Karl couldn't tell which it was. Lunch came and went and eventually Sapnap left and Karl found his hand still connected to Dream's. He didn't make any move to remove his hand from the other and Dream didn't remove his hand either. They sat there and waited, munching on their food with one hand, ignoring the blazing stares from someone behind them. 

[Sapnap POV - 3rd POV]

Sapnap knew Karl Jacobs, or he thought he did. Maybe he didn't. Maybe he just knew the name. But, the point is, once upon a time he had known Karl Jacobs because they were partners for some class in Freshman year, or Sophomore, he can't really remember. Karl was sweet, a little sarcastic if anything. But, sweet nonetheless. He had carried the entire project while Sapnap sat and watched Karl work wonders. Karl always was smart. His parents seemed nice enough but by the sole fact Karl seemed pretty uncomfortable with them, Sapnap didn't like them. He didn't like the fact his friend partner was uncomfortable within his own home! After all, Karl was the reason Sapnap might actually pass the semester. Totally not because Karl was cute and kind and actually listened to his pyromantic rambles. Even if he did advise against them, he listened and even said it wasn't that bad as long as you didn't cause large scale arson. Sapnap liked Karl, platonically of course. He wasn't gay and didn't like boys! 

So, why did it bother him so much seeing Karl hold hands with his best friend Dream? Why did it hurt seeing Dream get to touch Karl like that?

Maybe it was nothing. 

But, when George came up to him and started talking about how annoying Dream and Karl's relationship was... it hit him. 

He did like boys. Or at least one, and that was Karl. 

So he did the unthinkable and planned with George of all people. The person who hurt his best friend. He really was selfish wasn't he? But, then again, he wanted Karl and he always got what he wanted, mused Sapnap. 

Is what he thought, until he saw Karl Jacobs at a football game for the first time in three years wearing a very, very familiar varsity football jacket that has the large "c" and the number one resting on the other side. It's the Captain's Jacket. Dream's jacket. 

And Karl was wearing it, looking a little too comfortable. 

Crushed. 

[Karl's POV - 3rd POV]

Karl grinned, "So, dork," Karl muttered affectionately, "Is there something you'd like to ask me since Sapnap left?"

Dream looked nervous. Why was he nervous? It wasn't as if they were really dating. A small part of him wanted them to be.

Karl tilted his head with confusion, they were friends weren't they? Why was Dream so nervous around him? Why was Karl kinda nervous around the ladder? Sure, Dream was pretty and actually a little funny but that didn't change him from still just being an idiot. An idiot that has grown so much on Karl for no good reason. Karl finds that slightly annoying. Right. Annoying. Totally not because Dream talking to him gives him more butterflies than a fake boyfriend probably should because this is fake.

Fake. 

Very fake.

No feelings involved at all because Karl definitely doesn't stare at Dream longer than necessary. Karl most definitely does not stare at Dream's hands and wonder what it would feel like to hold them when the entire world wasn't looking at them. Karl definitely didn't think about what their first kiss would be like because since this is a relationship meant to make people think they are in love. Or at least like each other. Karl doesn't actually like Dream.

No, that's ridiculous. 

"Do you wanna come to the football game tomorrow," Dream said, looking awkwardly away, "And maybe wear my jacket? Because you know I'm the captain and it would probably be good if you came and-"

"Sure, but I need you to pick me up."

"From?"

"My house idiot, also... uh..."

Dream tilted his head, concern written all over his face. 

"Please, don't tell my parents were like dating. Even if it's fake," Karl whispered, "They're like super closed-minded about this stuff and I really wanna go and-"

"Of course," Dream grinned, "Anything you need."

Karl's heart thumped. 

Huh, weird. 

Chapter Text

karl's pov - 3rd person

Karl glanced down at his phone. Dream had told him 5:15 and it was 5:17. Maybe Karl was overthinking this, but his parents were going to be getting home soon and he really didn't have the emotional capacity to think about his parents right now, let alone interact with them. So, Karl waited by the front door. Frantic texts from his loving boyfriend buzzed his phone as he patiently waited. 

clay <3

omg omg omg

i promise i'm omw

like right around the corner 

karl <3

it's ok ;-;

see u soon?

Suddenly, a knock on the door and Karl opened it to see Dream looking frazzled and Karl tried not to giggle at the sight, but it was hard considering the other looked like he had thrown on his under armor for the football game to come. Karl gave Dream an amused side glance. 

"You sure know how to be on time," Karl mused, stepping out the door and locking it before turning back to Dream who had an apology all over his face, Karl snickered, "I'm kidding. Let's get going, yeah?"

Dream immediately relaxed at the reassurance, "Right, okay."

When they hopped in the jeep, why was it unsurprising that Dream owned a fucking jeep, Karl noticed the Varsity Captain's Jacket hanging on the back of the passenger's seat. Thump. Karl reached out for it and placed it on their lap, tracing the outlines of the jacket. Karl had personally not wanted to play sports past his freshman year, he did play Tennis and Soccer at one point but decided against playing any longer due to the rude remarks people would make. Karl was pretty good at soccer, but he made no real effort to show off it because then too much of a spotlight would shine on him. Sure, part of them regrets not pursing it but Karl thinks this is nice. 

"So, Jacobs, is this your first football game?" Dream asks with a cheeky grin,

Karl rolled their eyes at the question, but chose to answer, "Believe it or not, no this is not my first football game," Karl teased, rubbing his hands together as he adjsted the music. 

"Wow really?" Dream teased, "Did friends force you to go to one or?"

Karl shrugged, "Something like that," they mused, "I don't exactly have an abundance of friends so..."

"Well, we can change that if you like. One of my friends, Techno, you might like."

"Is he anything like you?" Karl mused. 

"Kinda, it's complicated," Dream cackled, "He's like an English Police but also likes Art. But, he also has a knack for arson so-"

Karl burst out laughing, "Like, Arson arson or like fake-arson?"

"How can something be fake arson?" Dream asked with an amused eye roll. 

"Like, you joke about it and have a lighter you have for comfort, but you've never burnt down a building or something."

"I think it's fake-arson for now."

"I'm going to ignore the last part of that sentence."

"That might be best," Dream grinned, "But, yeah. Techno is also the older brother of your friend, Ghostbur."

"Oh yeah," Karl said, "I think we've met when I went over to their house. Ghostbur is cool. Wilbur, Techno, and Tommy all scare me, though."

"Fair enough," Dream mused, "Plus there is Tubbo, my little brother."

"Oh," Karl hummed, "Wait, is your dad Mr. Jchlatt?" 

"Yeah," Dream hummed, "And my mom is Ms. Puffy. They got divorced, though. I don't even know if they were ever married... ah, sorry. That was a little too deep."

Karl's heart softened, "No, don't apologize. You're allowed to talk to me, if you need it," they reassured, "Don't think you can't talk to me. Fake or not."

Dream smiled, "Yeah, thanks Jacobs. But why did you wanna know about my dad?"

"Uh," Karl looked to the side, avoiding eye contact, "I'm pretty sure my friend has a thing going on with him."

Dream coughed, "WHAT?!"

Technoblade's POV - 3rd Person

Dream was never late. 

To anything. 

Well, sometimes class. But, ever since Dream had claimed his new boy toy, he had been showing up on time a little bit more, doing things a little bit more proffessonally, no one dared mention the difference, but it was still there. Technoblade and Dream had been friends for a few years, due to the friendship between Dream's mother and Techno's father. Philza and Puffy, Dream prefered Techno didn't bring up his ass of a father. Sure, Dream said he was getting better because of some boyfriend he apparently had. Techno and Dream speculate Jchaltt was such a shitty father because he was gay and forced to reproduce by his parents. Puffy doesn't hate him for it, of course, and they're friendship has even grown! But, Puffy will never be able to look at the same in some instances. That didn't stop the kids from getting along decently. Wilbur and Ghostbur, the twins and the middle children, were almost complete opposites, it was creepy. Wilbur was a lot like Techno himself the more he thought about it. Wilbur was always down to commit a crime with Technoblade and the two of them had ended up in jail more times than Phil cared to count. As for Ghostbur, he was the literal angle of the siblings. Techno swore if anyone dared to hurt him, their life would end. Even when Wilbur and Ghostbur fight ( mostly just Wilbur yelling at Ghostbur ), Techno knows Wilbur thinks the same things. As for the youngest, Tommy, well... Tommy is just as much of a problem child as the rest of them. Tommy has a foul mouth and the youngest. Phil constantly has to go up to the school because Tommy got into a fight, Tommy broke someone's nose, or something. Tommy just was less likely to do something illegal was the thing. 

Well, unless Wilbur asked, of course. 

Techno loved his siblings. He also loved Dream and Tubbo. 

They had a pretty rough childhood, even if Dream refused to admit it. He swore just because his parents were loving and supportive now that they were always perfect. But, Techno remembers the nights when Dream snuck over to his house just to cuddle for a few hours or to read stories or just play minecraft together in  silence. Techno remembers nights when Dream would sob into his chest about why his parents didn't love them, asking why they wouldn't stop fighting, asking why he had to be the grown up even though he was just 14. Techno remembers all of that and he will never really forgive Jschlatt and Puffy for that. 

But, back to current day, he sees Dream running out to the feild, a flush on his cheeks and dressed ready for the game. The coach gives him a disaproving look and Dream just grins back, telling him he promised he hurried as fast as he possibly could. Techno glances to the crowd and sees the new pretty boy Dream has collected. He sat in the front row, despite the obvious discomfort on their face, wearing an eerily familar varsity jacket. His fluffy hair was boyant as the purple eyes  looked over the feild, trying to find something. Someone. 

They met eyes and Karl gave an awakward smile. 

Ah, that's where he knew him. 

Karl Jacobs was one of the few people Ghostbur truly called a friend. Sure, everyone was nice to him because of Techno but Karl was kind because Karl was a kind person. Techno nodded in agknolwegment. He truly hopes Dream isn't fucking around with Karl's heart, after all Karl is a pretty good guy, or demiguy, Techno isn't sure, but knows Karl doesn't just use he/him pronouns, even if Techno does. 

"Techno!" Dream's familar annoying voice called brightly, "Hey!"

Techno turned around, giving a half-smile to his childhood friend, "Dream. You certainly took your time."

Dream scoffed, "We still have like thirty-minuetes until game time. I was here just on time!"

Techno rolled his eyes, "Okay, lover boy. How was it with your boyfriend?"

Dream had a look pass his eyes and that's when it hit him, Dream really would never be his. Which was fine, he had accpeted the fact he was not Dream's type a long time ago, but it still stung a little more than he'd like to admit. Techno listened to Dream rant about how pretty Karl was and it reminded him just how fucking differnent Techno was from what Dream liked. Dream liked pretty boy with a witty mouth. Pretty boys with a floof of hair that he could run his hand through. Not long pink dyed hair and muscles that lined his every body part. Not glasses in the dead of night when he read. Not Technoblade. 

"Anyways, I wanna re-introduce you, if you'd like," Dream said brightly, "I think you have met thorugh Ghostbur?"

"Yeah we have and I wouldn't mind meeting him as your boyfriend," Techno grinned, anything for you.

Dream smiled so brightly Techno almost forgot the heartache. 

Sapnap's POV - 3rd Person

Sapnap noticed the pretty artist almost right away. 

Purple eyes with a glint of something glazing his eyes. Brown fluffy hair that seemed to sit upon his head like a crown. And an eerily familar Varsity Jacket. He could've been in your jacket. Sapnap's eyes narrowed as he noticed the "C" on the corner which indicated it was the captain's jacket. That was Dream's Jacket. Sapnap tried to bite back the bile rising in his voice. Karl sat prettily in the front bleecher, looking at his phone as he obviously waited for the game to start. Sapnap's stomach stirred with something. He glanced to see where the hell his blonde best friend was, ah, he was with Techno. Sapnap had always thought the two of them would hook up, at least once, they were childhood friends after all and everyone knows childhood friends to lovers is an eleite romance trope. 

Luckily, Sapnap didn't have to think about much after. The game had started and he was determined to impress the pretty brunette who was supposedly dating his best friend. It just felt too... out of the blue. Where did it even come from?

Karl's POV - 3rd Person

Karl's eyes were trained on Dream. 

He was beautiful with his movements, depsite the weird wording of that. Right, it was just a football game, but Dream manuvered around every other male playing and managed to get a few touchdowns singlehandedly. After which, he would look at Karl excitedly, looking for some sort of validation which Karl would shyly give him back. Weather it was waving amusedly, blowing him a kiss, or just looking at him affectionatly with a smile.

Because of the act.

Becauase they are in the middle of the entire school and are dating.

Karl has to play his part. 

Karl kinda wishes it wasn't an act. 

Suddenly, the idiot came running over to him and jumped up on the rail, right in front of him. 

"Hey Pretty," Dream whispered, "Enjoying the game?"

Karl would deny the fact his face turned bright red for the rest of their life, "I think it's going well, even if I'm not really sure what's going on."

"Fair enough, I can explain more of it later-"

"OI DREAM. THE GAME ISN'T OVER YET!" yells a very irritated voice. Karl giggles as Dream rolls his eyes. 

"Ugh, I'll see you at half-time."

"Have fun, pretty boy," Karl grins, leaning down to give him a peck on the cheek before he rushes back to the feild, his own cheeks flushed pink. 

George's POV - 3rd Person

The game had ended and George was in disgust with how in love KarlWasTaken already looked. 

When George had first started dating Dream, Dream was like a puppy. Perhaps he still is, but Dream hadn't given George much room to be in an open relationship like he wanted because yes he liked Dream, who didn't, but George hates being stuck in one place - relationship or not. 

So, George would kiss other people during their talking phase and stopped when they were exclusive and then stopped thinking about it when they were offical. But, then the need - the want - for more people to touch him hit him in full force and make him feel something. It was a well known fact Dream didn't chase sexual actions and only really would do it if they had been dating for a while, which was another reason why Dream so rarely dated. Dream was scared people only wanted him for his pretty face and in reality, that may be true. 

George may feel bad for the pretty football player, but only because he wants him back. George wants the captain back because he was his in the beginning and it makes no sense a nobody like Karl should have him.

It makes no sense. 

Dream's POV - 3rd Person

"Jacobs!" Dream called out after the game, running up to his fake boyfriend, his green eyes shining brightly in the night as he held his helmet in one hand and the other hand was reaching for one of Karl's hands. Karl looked up to him and gave him a bright smile, beautiful purple eyes sparkled in response to the kind actions of him. Karl tighetned the grip of Dream's hand and pulled the jacket over him a little more as it was cold out. Dream's eyes softened, "We won!"

"I did manage to catch that, yes," Karl hummed amusedly, "Congrats."

"Thank you," Dream whispered softly back, trying desperatly to ignore the butterflies fluttering in his stomach, as if they were trying to weed their way out and into the world. He continued to look at Karl's purple eyes, an unnatural color but always seemed to fit Karl a little too well. He started to rub his thumb lovingly on Karl's calloused hands. Dream breifly wondered where all the callouses came from before remembering they are an artist and Karl excells in all forms of art, including things that make their hands roughen up, "Anyways, what time are your parents expecting you back?" Though Dream did not want to ruin the magical experience they were in, Dream didn't want Karl to end up in trouble because of him. Karl's eyes widened and looked down at his phone. Dream took this oputunity to curl to his other side, glancing down at the phone with an arm over their shoulder. 

dad

when do you want me to be home by?

is the game over?

yes

are you planning to go to any after parties?

it might be good for you since your social 

meter is an all time low. 

yeah, i wanted to. 

do you mind?

no, just come home before 1 am

okay

---

Dream looked curious, "Parties?"

"Not really, I just don't wanna go home yet."

"Fair enough," Dream hummed, "Wanna drive around? I know a-"

"Oi, Dream, you gonna introduce us?"

Dream glanced up, Techno was walking over with Tommy, Tubbo, Wilbur and Ghostbur. Dream's heart fluttered at how bright Karl's eyes got when they saw Ghostbur. 

"Ghostbur!" Karl said, happily. 

"Karl!" Ghostbur's echoey voice rippled, "How are you?"

"I'm well," Karl smiled, curling into the jacket once more. Dream couldn't help but think he looked beautiful in it, "Dream and I were gonna go drive around before I have to go home."

Techno looked at Dream and silently asked. Dream nodded. 

Karl continued talking with Ghostbur and eventually Tommy joined in. 

"So, Karl Jacobs, how is it you managed to capture the heart of Big Man Dream?" Tommy asked enthusastically, "Because Dream can be very particular in those he likes."

Wilbur rolled his eyes, "Also, don't feel the need to answer if you're uncomfortable."

Tubbo nodded in agreement, "Tommy has noo filter."

Karl giggled, "Not a big deal. This loser came up and asked me out a few days ago for seemingly no reason."

"Seemingly- what?!" cried Dream, "I am not like that!"

Karl cackled, "I'm kidding. He asked me out after a particularily hard AP Astronomy class."

Tommy nodded, actually taking in the excuse. 

---

Dream was thankful when they got away from the others. It wasn't as if he didn't care for his friends, his brother, but they were stressful. Especially since they had never offically come up with a cover story for their relationship so Dream really just let Karl work out the kinks and knew Karl would start yelling about that to him soon enough, like the idiot he is. 

Well, Karl isn't an idiot but what else is Dream supposed to call him? Dream looked affectionately at his fake-boyfriend, which goes to show he is an amazing actor because this relationship is solely to convince the school he can date other people and to get George off his ass. Because like he told himself, George was not someone he actually wanted to date anymore. George was like a leech, he thinks thats the best description, honestly. Hopefully everything goes well because he really doesn't know want he'll do if it doesn't. 

Chapter Text

Karl smiled. 

This was nice, he thought, as he cuddled up against his fake-boyfriend at the traditional movie night for couples at their highschool. He was focusing more on the rise and fall of Dream's chest, which was going at a steady rhythm. Karl had never been to one of these movie nights because no one had bothered to ever ask him out which sure, this was technically fake, Karl was still midly pleased by the physical affection he was receiving. Karl had been touched starved for a lot of his life because his family was never very... lovedy dovey. His family would rather show "affection" with praise after being exceptionally perfect. Their form of showing they cared was beating them into submission and wondering why they all turned out with a degration kink. 

They're kidding!

Mostly. 

Karl tried not to think about how he could feel Dream's hand running up and down their back, rubbing in places he had a cramp or it was tight. Karl felt so relaxed, they never knew someone could make them feel this comfortable around someone, just looking at the movie and feeling the arms of someone he knew or did a really good job of faking it cared. He tried not to feel the overwhelming sleepiness that they felt because of how relaxed they were. They opened their eyes, glancing upward to see him looking at Karl instead of the movie. Karl's face erupted in red, his lips parting for a moment before looking back down in embarrassment. They felt the other snicker, the vibrations against their back made them feel something flutter in their stomach, some new feeling filling what they didn't know could be filled.  

Sadly, the movie did seem to come to an end. 

Karl felt Dream shift and Karl themselves sat up, looking down at their hands to hide their embarrassment, he felt a hand lift the other's chin up and they felt their cheeks heat, fake fake fake fake its a fake relationship remember that! 

They felt too many eyes on them, people were looking, that's why. 

Not because Dream actually liked Karl. 

Who would like Karl?

It had been a month since they had started fake-dating. 

Things were going well, except that Karl felt like crying almost everyday. Apparently, one of their siblings had found out that he was dating Dream and had told their parents, resulting in Karl being bashed every single moment they entered the house until they would admit to breaking up with the other boy, which Karl knows will happen anyways but it doesn't mean that they're any less fearful of doing it themselves. It's not like it would hurt the other. After all, he held no real feelings for Karl, it's not like... but Karl liked Dream. 

It would hurt Karl, they realized. 

But, his parents harsh words and actions also hurt Karl. Which would hurt him more?

He decided to text Ghostbur, to ask them what they thought.

| ghosty |

hey ghostbur!

oh hey karl! 

what can i do for you?

i have a problem

has dream done smth? 

i can beat him up for you

lol

no, it's okay ghosty

im sure u'd do great tho <3

<3

so whats up?

well, yk how my parents

are less... than accepting

right?

yes, sadly

what did they do

they... uh found out 

about dream and i

oh fucknuggets

bad would kill u if he 

heard u cursing

well bad isnt here

so... what are you gonna 

do

i dont want to, but they

said they'd only leave me

alone if i broke up with him

oh

i can see where this is going

yeah

how should i do it

well, over text is usually how people

do it, but that might hurt

and besides, he is the football captain

fair so basically instead of being

bullied at home ill be bullied at 

school

well, maybe get a second  opinon on it. 

alex might be able to help

true. thanks ghosty <3 i appreciate it

ofc. keep me updated

| karl liked a message |

---

| quakity :) |

hey quaks!

hey karlos! 

what can i do for you?

so, yk how my parents are less than

accepting right?

and uh my dating situation

ah

how did they find out

one of my siblings snitched

they've been worse lately since

they found out

they said they'd stop if i broke

up with him

ghosty says i should end it

oh.

well, it's safety right?

how long till you can get out?

a few months

i'd explain the situation to him

and then go from there...

might be the best option... 

right...

but what if they do smth

like rly bad

i doubt they will. 

if they do u can come live with us

okay :) 

i'll text you?

ofc, u better <3

ty quaks <3

ofc karlos <3 

| karl liked a message |

Karl sighed. 

He guessed this was the end of it then. 

It was nice while it lasted, he supposed. 

Chapter Text

Karl didn't want to break up with Dream - he really didn't. but he figuered better now than later for him anyways. Karl was sure Dream was ready for the break up anyways, after all George hadn't spoken to Dream in nearly 3 weeks. Karl felt confident Dream would be okay. 

he had to be okay or karl wouldn't be able to live with himself. 

karl had texted quakity and ghostbur about his decision and was met with somber, but supportive parents. karl had told dream little of his home life but never went into more detail than "his parents were rough". 

karl was upset. 

"heya jacobs!" dream muttered when he wrapped an arm around the shorter enby, who stiffened up underneath him. dream noticed immediately and let go, not wanting to make his fake partner uncomfortable. 

"heya dream," karl smiled, trying not to show how uncomfortable he was. dream rose an eyebrow before sighing. 

"karl, you know-"

"i think we should stop the agreement," karl said softly, "i dont wanna keep going through a fake relationship for the sake of someone who doesn't care for me truly. i'm sorry, i'm breaking... up with you."

dream froze, "what- i thought we were waiting till the three month period? are you really that uncomfortable?" 

karl sighed, "i know this is overused but its not you, it's me. something in my personal life isnt allowing me to continue with this. i'm sorry." 

dream frowned, "i... alright, i'm sorry if i ever made you uncomfortable..."

"you didn't," karl smiled, "you'll find someone nice to be with you."

"but-"

"bye, dream," they sighed, "i'll see you in astronomy." 

| dream's pov | 

ow. he thought, that hurt more that he thought it would. 

dream always knew they weren't going to last, after all, their relationship was built upon lies. lies that dream had spun for his own personal gain and expected karl to follow that. he expected anyone would follow to make him happy because of his personality and popularity. so he got attached to them. 

fuck. 

he got attached. 

they weren't even in a real relationship. the relationship was based upon lies and jealously and fakeness and dream had no right to want more. he really didn't. 

so why did it hurt so badly when karl finally cut him out, telling him they couldn't fake a relationship that dream, the most popular guy in school, was only doing to get george off his tail. which he did. george hadn't talked to him in weeks. but, neither had sapnap. he'd need to see what had happened there. he wasn't sure why sapnap was reacting poorly to dream liking a demiboy, they were awesome! even if it was fake.

fake fake fake fake fake relationship, fake feelings,  fake fAKE-

he decided to skip the rest of the day. 

he wasn't feeling up to the rest of the day

he frowned, looking down at his hands. why did this hurt so much more than it did with george? why did this fake relationship ending hurt more than his three-year long relationship did?

dream ached for karl. 

but, it was obvious it was just a fake-relationship and nothing more. 

they were nothing more. 

| techno's pov |

when techno first got a text from tubbo asking him to come over, he was confused. 

of course he didn't mind checking in on one of his closest friends, dream, because techno was half in love with him but knew he was with karl. except he wasn't. not when he came in and saw the tears tracking his cheeks and the ice cream in his hands, he nearly dropped all his things immediately and sat next to his friend, his friend whom he had been in love with since they had first met. anger coursed through him as he thought of the enby who dared to break dream's heart. this was the second time that someone dream cared for immensely had hurt him. he hated karl for that. 

"dream?" techno whispered as he sat down across from the male, reaching his hands out hesitantly, "what happened?"

he asked as if he did not know the truth of the situation. he asked as if he did not know the utter heartbrokenness in his eyes.  

"we broke up," dream whispered silently, "or they broke up with me. it wasn't their fault though... it was a fake-relationship from the start but i-"

"oh dream," whispered techno putting an arm around his shorter friend, "you should know from your wattpad account that fake-relationships never end well."

that was a lie, of course, fake relationships in wattpad books always lead to marriage but techno was not going to make dream feel any worse. or make himself feel any worse either. seeing his crush this broken over a fake relationship was yet another slap to the face that the feelings would never, ever be returned. they were his to hold and his to hold alone. 

"techno," dream whispered, "will you do me a favor?"

"of course," techno whispered, brushing his thick fingers through the strainy hair of dream's, "anything you need."

" i want something to cover up tonight, these bad feelings. have sex with me."

techno practically choked over himself, the voices getting louder as they begged to see dream under him, ruined and begging. but techno knew better. he tried to know better than what the voices wanted. 

"dream, you're delusional. i'm not going to take something you've been saving, hell you might never ever give it away. you'll regret it later."

"sure, but i know what i want now. unless... you can't see me like that?"

techno's face darkened, "dream, if i do this, you cannot hate me for it."

dream grinned, "i'm asking for it am i not?"

techno scoffed, but carefully brought dream's lips to his own before the flood of emotions broke through and everything came tumbling out. bruised lips, catching breaths, and light sounds of pleasure flowing out of the other's lips. techno soaked in it. his own cock hardening just at the sight of dream being pinned down below him with just a singular hand, teary eyes looking up at him. every once in a while, techno would pause, making sure this is what dream wanted who would nod his head eagerly. techno learned the kinks of the boy underneath him, learning every body movement he tried to hide. techno licked up his side, leaving hickies on his neck which would make him need to wear a turtle neck tomorrow. techno knew this was a one time thing so he decided to take his time with it, enjoy the taste of dream on him. when dream had come a couple times, he had flipped techno underneath him, techno felt his stomach twist with butterflies. 

"i can't make you do it all, now can i?" dream whispered, "you deserve to feel good too."

techno felt his face flush in embarrassment, "tonight is about you."

dream shrugged, "i threw this on you. you deserve to feel good even if tonight is about covering over the emotions of a fake-relationship."

techno scoffed but was interrupted by his own moans when dream moved down to techno's twitching dick. 

the rest of the night was filled with love making, love bites, and bruises everywhere. 

the regret that followed would quickly consume dream. 

| dream's pov |

when dream awoke, techno was still beside him, an arm behind his neck and dream's head tucked next to his neck. dream sat up, the memories flowing back. thank god it was a saturday, he thought to himself, or he would be screwed. he wasn't sure if he'd be able to walk today. he glanced down at his best friend, glasses were placed carefully next to him and suddenly a thud in his chest awoke, but he quickly shut it up. techno was his best friend who he basically forced to sleep with him because he was sad. 

because of karl. 

karl.

is karl okay?

he picked up his phone, quickly going to text someone but was welcomed to a many texts. some from george, some from quakity, some from sapnap... it went on. 

| george (manipulative bitch) |

hey i heard about what happened

i hope you're okay <3

i dont wanna say i told you so but

i did told you so. i will be the only 

one who can ever understand or

love you. 

why dont you come back?

stop grieving already it's not that

big of a deal. 

| quakity (step-dad??) |

hey.

sorry about how it ended. 

im with karl right now. he's upset 

too if it makes you feel any better.

he ended it bc of personal problems

not bc of how he felt with you.

i think he rly likes you. 

| sappy nappy (pretty sure he's a whore) |

hey dude

im sry abt the break up

you okay?

want me to come over? maybe

we could play mc and bro cuddle?

okay.

| bad <3 (mom friend) |

hey dream. 

im so sorry again. it'll get better, dw. 

karl's a great kid but i dont think he 

ever deserved someone as lovely as 

you. take care <3

| tubbo - idiot brother |

i told techno to check on you.

i went over to tommy's with ranboo. i'll 

be back in the afternoon tmrw. mom is out

with friends and dad is out with his sugar baby i

think. 

| mama puffy |

hey duckling. im out right now but if you need

anything please let me know. i'd be over as soon

as you said you needed me. foolish said he needed

some help with some homework but if you need

anything pls pls text me. i love you duckling <3 

| dadchaltt ( has a weird thing for younger ppl) |

hey idiot

i hope ur ok. im out with quakity at the moment, 

lmk if u need a beer or smth. 

| tommy (little shit freshie) | 

HEY BIG MAN D! 

IM SUPER SORRY ABOUT THE BREAK UP! :(

I THINK I SCARED HIM OFF AND I WILL FIX

IT DW! TRY AND FEEL BETTER <3 

| wilbur (trying to get into my pants) |

hey.

i heard tech is over at ur house.

lmk if i need to pick him up.

| karl (he's so lovely im so devestated he left) |

i'm sorry. 

| karl's POV |

| quaks |

hey bestie

i'm so sorry about what happened with 

dream, i know you did what you thought 

was best. i'm with my sugar daddy rn but

call if you need me ok?

| ghosty <3 |

heyyy

im proud of u for doing what u thought was best

call if u need me

| skep :3 |

hey nerd. 

im so sorry love. call if u need me okay?

| technoblade |

fuck you. 

| tommy |

you fucking suck. 

| tubbo |

how could you?

| ranboo | 

:/ 

Chapter Text

| Techno's POV |

Techno was not unhappy per say by how him and Dream's sexual tension ended. 

But what he really wished was that Dream wasn't avoiding him. He only regrets Dream's avoidance of him. Techno sighed whist he doodled in the middle of Art Class. It was a pretty lax day in art class today so they were allowed to doodle whatever they wished. So, Techno ever being a simp for Dream, doodled Dream. Using the colored pencils, he colored in his beautiful green eyes and shaded in the brownish blonde hair that was so soft that Techno had to shake his head to forget about the feeling of Dream underneath him. Techno drew him with his head leaning on one hand and staring ahead into nothingness, or into Techno, he couldn't tell what he was trying to doodle. Whatever it was, it was enough to catch the attention of their art teacher, Bad. He picked up the doodle and looked at it, praising Techno for the shading and even just the lines. Techno felt his face flush in embarrassment. When Bad finally gave him his drawing back, he put it in the folder and then decided to draw someone or something else. Against his better judgment, he drew Karl. 

Karl with their kind, brown eyes and their fluffy brown hair.

Techno looked down at the drawing and wondered how the hell Karl broke up with Dream. He had to know why Karl would let Dream go. There had to be something going on in the background - something far more serious than people gave credit for.

At the end of the class, he stood and started going to lunch. He was hopefully going to run into Karl or Dream. Maybe even both if he was lucky. Thankfully, he saw the familiar brown hair that belonged to Karl. He saw one of his older brothers, Ghostbur, talking happily with Karl about something. Ghostbur's eyes widened when Techno approached them, which caused Karl to turn around and eyes widen themselves in panic. 

"Techno! Uh, hello," Karl said, looking very uncomfortable. 

"Ghosty, Karl. May I speak to Karl alone?"

Ghostbur looked uncomfortable with it but glanced at Karl, who nodded begrudgingly, "If I hear a sound of discomfort, I'm telling dad, Techno."

Techno put his hands up in defense and motioned for Karl to follow him. Thankfully, he did without much trouble. They walked down to the soccer fields because that was where little activity happened due to soccer season being over. Karl sat down first, due to him being overwhelmingly anxiety filled. Techno felt bad. Only for a moment though. 

"Why did you break up with him?"

"Personal reasons," Karl spoke, "He was going to do it soon anyways."

"What makes you say that?" Techno accused, "He liked you, more than he's ever liked anyone."

Karl sighed, "Because it was fake. He wanted George off his ass so he asked me to be fake with him. Due to some personal reasons, I had to cut it off earlier."

Techno's mouth dried, "It was fake?"

"That's what I just said, and I truly doubt he felt anything for me besides using me."

Techno scoffed, "You didn't see the way he looked at me."

Karl frowned, "He didn't look at me in any other way than besides as a friend. If even that."

Techno put his head in his hands, "He came to me a few nights ago in pain and asked me to take the thing he had been saving. I did it because he asked, was in pain and because it's all I've ever wanted. Because I love Dream."

"I know you love Dream, Techno," Karl sighed, "Anyone with eyes can see."

"Except him."

"Except him," Karl agreed, "That's partially why I broke up with him. I cannot love him like you do."

"You could, had you tried," Techno hummed, "I think he liked you more than he was willing to admit."

Karl hummed, "He could have loved you too, you know."

Techno shrugged, "I doubt it. I'm just the childhood friend desperate for his attention."

"I think he loves you but doesn't see it yet."

"He loves you too," reasons Techno.

"Well," Karl mused, "I guess we'll have to see whom he needs more."

| Dream's POV |

He had been avoiding Techno since the incident. 

He'd have been lying if it didn't stir something within him. But, that was wrong wasn't it? Techno was a family friend what if he messed it up like he did with Karl. 

Karl. 

He missed Karl.

He missed Karl with his soft eyes and kind words. He missed Karl with his supportive actions and soft kisses. He missed Karl. 

But, what truly unsettled him was when he saw Techno and Karl by the soccer field, a resigned expression on both of their faces. All he had managed to hear was:

Well, I guess we'll see whom he needs more.

Who were they talking about? 

Curiosity burned at his skin. Who were they talking about? who else could it be.

He pulled out his phone quickly. 

wilbur (trying to get in my pants) 

dreammmmmmmmmm

me :/

heh?

wilbur (trying to get in my pants)

ur already picking up tech's slang this

is horrible there is no saving you ;-;

me :/

this is why i like tech better than

u whore

wilbur (trying to get in my pants)

kink shaming is cruel </3

me :/

ok but a mf FISH

wilbur (trying to get in my pants)

bruh im a dilf like my dad now

i stay winning

me :/

just say u wanna steal quakity 

from my dad and go

wilbur (trying to get into quakity's pants)

its not my fault he's into dilfs

he liked bad

he liked phil

he liked fucking jschlatt

me :/

bestie ik

do u know how awkard

it is when i come home

to see quakity and my mf

dad FUCKING ON THE COUCH

wilbur (trying to get into quakity's pants)

fair

that does sound tramatizing

ok but what did u need

me :/

oh yea

so i saw tech and karl talking

wilbur (new dilf)

oh.

ohhhh.

okay so ur fling and ur ex

how do u feel bestie

me :/

idk 

i think they're both simping

over someone bc karl said

"well, i guess we'll have to see who he needs more"

wilbur (new dilf)

are u stupid

did u get hit in the head too

many times bestie

me :/

wtf is that supposed to mean!

im confused and ur here 

BULLYING ME-

wilbur (new DILF)

bc ur stupid

me :/

fine! i'll ask sapnap

wilbur (new DILF)

no no! i can help

sappy nappy is being kinda sus

anyways

me :/

heh?

wilbur (new DILF)

omg

he has a crush on karl

me :/

WHAT

wilbur (new DILF)

im blocking you <3

me :/

i didnt do anything :,)

wilbur (new DILF)

i feel like u should talk to them 

me :/

maybe tech. ive been avoiding

him

wilbur (new DILF)

im aware. i live with the idiot he's

been sulking ever since. 

me :/

oh :(

okay. can i admit smth

wilbur (new DILF)

is it gonna make this situation worse or better

me :/

uhhh

Chapter Text

| dream |

Dream figured he should stop avoiding his problems for once and talk to the two he was... romantically involved with in the past few weeks. Both... were complicated. Since his "night of passion" as Tubbo liked to call it, with Technoblade, some old feelings have started coming back up again. But, at the same time, he misses Karl. He has realized, with time apart, even if it's only been a little, he truly likes the fluffy haired artist - perhaps that's the true reason he asked Karl to be apart of this whole ordeal, but he told himself it was because Karl was the perfect type to piss of George. 

Speaking of which, George had been oddly silent, which threw off the football player, because George had always been more nosy than most. He liked to be all up in his business, weather they were friends, dating, exes, frienmies, or even less. Personally, Dream is glad to have the brunette off his ass. That was the whole plan. He thinks when he first started feeling truly betrayed was when he saw a post with Sapnap and George posing. 

Together.

| Sapnap's Post ! |

| number of likes - 20,000

| number of comments - 1,000 

| number of shares - 800 

| would you like to see the comments? |

| yes / no |

| opened the comments |

| sapnotfound?? 

| new ship found??? 

| wasn't this bitch just wanting to get in Dream's pants like last week?

| aren't sap and dream besties? i wonder how dream feels abt this...

| rip dnf ig fr

| funny how y'all are so accepting of sap and george but not dream and karl :/ 

| kinda wack if u ask me. gl ig! 

| george kinda a whore 

Dream liked more of those comments than he'd like to admit. 

technosimp <3 

hey tech

dream?

well i think im dream so

no need to be a little 

shit. u finally decide 

im worth ur time again?

/hj 

its not sa 

:(

im sry abt that

im also sorry about asking

you to do that

eh

im sry i didnt stop

myself. u could consider

that sa, im really really

sorry

i literally asked for it

and it did make me feel

good

well, thats good

what are u doing abt karl

ah, i saw u two talking yesterday

btw, what was that abt

oh

uh

nothing.

its smth u should ask him

i rly dont think he wants to

talk to me

*they

oh, *they

but, i dont think they wanna talk 

to me

eh, im sure they do

everyone likes u dream

u like me, technosimp

[u cannot reach this user]

WHAT

DID U BLOCK ME

[u cannot reach this user]

WELL FUCK U TOO

[u cannot reach this user]

FINE

karl jacobs 😩

hey

hullo

wow, still a five

second reply time

u sure u have a social

life outside of me

we've talked abt this, i rly dont

what can i help u with dream

ouch, we back to dream just bc

u ended to agreement </3

ah, okay claYyYYYyyy

</3

uh,

can i ask u a question

ofc

i may not answer it tho

fair

:)

why did u end it sooner?

uh

well

my parents found out, lol

oh

oh my god

im so sorry

are you okay?

oh, um yeah

they were just like 

"break up or else lol"

lol?

pft

no they just

nah im fine

im not ur problem anymore

i want u to be my problem

i want u to be my |

i want you to be |

i want you to |

i want you |

i want |

i |

yeah.

i guess you arent

bye clay 

Karl

Karl frowned down at his phone, pain filling his chest. He wanted so desperately to take it back, to be Dream's. But, he couldn't. So, he gave him away. To Techno who would take such good care of him and it would be okay. 

It had to.

techno

techno

how can i help u jacobs

:/

its ur fucking name

clay used to call me that </3

ITS UR FUCKING NAME

anyways

hows ur drawing going

are u gonna give it to him

eh

it could be better

i drew one of u

ooo! 

can i see

no

what why tf not

bc i said so

heart been broke so many damn times

dont hit me up </3

ur such a fucking drama gay

"drama gay"

ur homophobic

IM GAY TOO WHORE

its still homophobic bitch

im an iconic gay how can i be homophobic

i literally fucked dream

dont remind me

u can just say u wish that was u

WHORE

THIS IS WHY IM UR ONLY FRIEND

WE WERENT EVEN FRIENDS UP UNTIL A WEEK AGO WHEN U

DUMPED DREAMS HOT ASS

BECAUSE MY PARENTS WERE THREATENING TO

HATE CRIME ME AND I HAVENT SAVED UP ENOUGH

MONEY TO RUN AWAY YET STUPID

yeah yeah we get it ur parents are homophobic

my dad isnt emotionally avaliable and my older

brother fucked a fish and had a fox son and my younger 

brother has clinical depression and im pretty sure my other

older brother thinks he a GHOST

wtf is wrong with ur family

u forgot u hear voices and think abt commiting 

federal crimes multiple times a day 

shut the fuck up

make me bitch

i know where u sleep

bitch

Karl smiles at his phone. 

Yeah, this can't go wrong.

right?

Chapter Text

Dream closed his eyes, letting himself relax after a especially tough practice. Sapnap had yet to give Dream an explanation as to why he had taken and posted that picture with George. Which hurt Dream on a new level, after all, he had trusted Sapnap with everything since they had grown up together and had been best friends, brothers, for as long as Dream could remember. And then, Sapnap had gone and dated or flirted with or whatever with the person who broke Dream's heart for the first time - and it stung because it had to have meant Dream himself did something wrong, right? Had Sapnap always had feelings for George and if so had he hidden them away because of Dream's own feelings for George? Or, even worse, had Sapnap had feelings for Karl when Dream told him he was going to ask the purple eyed boy out and if so, had he started spending time with George out of revenge for something Dream did to get George off his ass? Either way, it had to be Dream's fault and the guilt was almost crushing. He wanted his best friends back and almost wanted to go back in time but that was beyond impossible. So, he had to live with his choice of choosing Karl. Someone he knew Sapnap liked, even if he never told him. 

This was all his fault. 

| Karl |

Karl was laying by Technoblade, resting his head on his head on the others lap whist he drew whatever came to his mind. Techno had always been a talented artist, Karl came to realize in their blossoming friendship, and wanted to know more about he became so talented. Techno asked similar questions, curious as to how Karl had become so blatantly good at art to which he explained the process and glorious moments of self-taught art! Techno laughed at their suffering and not for the first time, Karl questioned why they were friends with such a pig of a man, all said jokingly. Despite the slight chub of the older man, Techno was still quite attractive and if anything, it added to it. Techno was humming to the songbirds surrounding it and Karl enjoyed the moment, realizing they were missing something, though he wasn't quite sure what. 

Oh. 

It was Dream. 

-

While both of them had their moments with Dream, the first time the three of them had been forced to interact amongst the three of them, it had been when Karl and Techno had been sent to observe the football players and decide which one they wanted to draw for their final project. Since they are both simps, they mutually decided to choose Dream - the boy they had been thinking about to an unhealthy level of thoughts. 

The awkward question was worth the bright grin Dream gave them after the question was asked, though the two missed the glace of longing afterwards. 

Perhaps Karl had ignored it because Dream had always been too readable and Karl had a suspicion Dream didn't want them to see it. But Karl knew Techno didn't see anything because the idiot spoke his mind no matter who would get embarrassed by it. 

It was both a curse and a blessing. 

"So," Dream begun, "How do you suggest we do this? Is there anything specific you artists need me to do?" 

Karl coughed back a laugh and Techno threw him a glance and Karl flipped him off. 

Dream laughed - cackled even and Karl's heart filled with longing. 

"Nah, i think you'll be good," Karl hums, "We just need you to pose in any position you feel comfortable letting us draw you in. If you wanna pose and we snap a pic and you leave, we can do that too."

Dream smirked and Karl immeditly wanted to take back their words, "Desperate to get some pics of me huh? Miss me already, babe?"

"I hope you choke on a dick," Karl said blankly, "Now which do you prefer."

Techno actually cackled, "Funny, Karl. I raised you well."

"We became friends a week ago and didn't we ki-"

"Shut the fuck up," Techno snarled, "Anyways, Dream what do you wanna do?"

"Uhh, i'm good to do either. i wouldn't mind staying, of course. My mom's out of town and Tubbo's over at Ranboo's house again."

Techno smiles, "Alright, get comfy. it's gonna be a while."

Karl nodded, ignoring the heat on his own cheeks after he almost spilt his and Techno's seacrt. 

About a day ago, Karl had gone to visit Techno - again. They had been doing a lot of that recently, mostly because Techno swore they could come over anytime their parents were being asswipes - which was way too often. So most nights, Karl ended up on Techno's floor, sleeping and in the morning was kicked awake. 

Rudely. 

But Karl didn't mind. 

At least he wasnt getting cussed awake, reminded that he was the biggest dissapointment on earth. At least it was just Techno's bland eyes and Wilbur's suprised eyes. Ghostbur's slightly parted mouth and Philza's understanding eyes. Tommy's loud questions and Techno telling Tommy to shut the fuck up and mind his business which would cause Philza to tell him to stop cussing out the youngest child and even call in Kristin when it got out of hand, whom Karl would help cook breakfast to make up for him crashing in Techno's room at least 5 times a week. 

But, it all changed when Techno kissed Karl, claiming it was an experiment, but the problem really started when Karl liked it. 

Karl had enjoyed the taste of the pig-like man's lips on his own just as he had enjoyed the jade green eyes' man's lips on his own and suddenly he was confused. 

Who was it he wanted? 

And why did he wanna say both? 

Finally, they had finished and Dream looked like he was about to pass out right there, and Karl couldn't blame him. They had been working/drawing for hours and Dream had to hold his poses for so long. But he looked so good. 

"Well, thank you again, Dream," Karl smiled, " We really appreciate it."

Dream nodded sleepily, "No prob. Hey Tech can i spend the night i dont really wanna drive home."

Techno shrugged, "Sure. Jacobs, you stayin' too?"

Karl nodded before going over to help Dream stand and felt warmth rush over him.

"Let's get to sleep idiots," Techno's monotone voice spoke, trying to hide the affection in his voice, Karl rolled his eyes but nodded, bringing Dream to the guest room and Karl made their way to the couch before Techno stopped him, pointing in the direction of his room, telling the brunette to take his bed - after all they were his guest. Karl disagreed, using the same reason. 

They argued for an hour. 

| Dream | 

When he awoke, he was startled at the fact he was not in his own room before the knowledge of being at Techno's house to help the two people he was desperately crushing on with an art project. He yawned, embarrassed he had fallen asleep at the pinkettes house. Getting up, he check his phone and saw it was already 11 am and his cheeks flushed again. He hadn't even done that much! 

He checked his messages: 

Sappy Nappy 

hey dream! 

i wanted to uh talk to you sometime today? 

if you're free 

text me when you can :) 

Drunk Idiot (dad) 

son

your mother said you left school yesterday with two people and said you haven't gone home yet 

get home soon she's worried. 

tubbo (idiotic brother <3) 

come home stupid 

Dream rolled his eyes, he was sure Puffy was overreacting. Since she had been divorced by Jschlatt due to his interest in men, she had been more of a recluse than anything. But, he did need to get back for Tubbo. They were going to their father's house for the weekend and Dream swore if he saw Quakity there he would cry. 

Like actually cry. 

But, as soon as he put his phone down, there was a knock on the door. Karl's soft voice was heard on the other side of the door, asking if he was awake and after knocking entered the house. 

"Clay," Karl said happily, "Techno made some breakfast. I was sent to fetch you." 

Dream nodded, standing up and following after his friend (his ex?). 

Hopefully this lunch/breakfast wouldn't be too awkward. 

Jesus. 

Chapter Text

Dream got up, glancing at the shirt before throwing it on and making his way downstairs. He probably should have gone home if his parents' texts had anything to say. But fuck it. This was his chance to fix the relationships with the two people he had desperate to for a long time. So, he'd go home after breakfast, see what was up with his parents. 

"Ah, sleeping beauty finally awakes," calls the teasing monotone voice Technoblade. Dream rolls his eyes, relishing in the compliment. Karl let out the most adorable laugh and Dream's heart squeezed in response. 

"Tech, be nice," Karl tsked, taking the breakfast and placing it on the table. Dream tried really hard to ignore the domestic feeling forming in his chest, "Here's eggs. Make sure to eat it, protein is important and helps with staying healthy."

Dream nods, "Ah. Thank you. Smells really good, Technoblade-"

"Oh call me Techno at least you little shit," Techno grumbles, "Dont like it when you call me my full name."

Dream smiled, cheeks pink, "Ah. Okay. Karl-"

"You can call me Jacobs if you want, Dream- Clay. But if you'd like to call me Karl that's alright too."

"Alright, Jacobs. Glad i'm here."

"But you do have to go after wards?" Karl asked with a frown. 

Dream nodded, "Yeah. My parents need me apparently."

Techno nodded, "Alright. Karl, i'll drive you both home."

Karl nodded, "Yes please. My parents said noon at the latest."

Techno frowned, "Hm. Well, remember text me if anything happens."

Karl nodded, "Yeah, yeah. I should be okay. They're going out of town this weekend with my siblings to see my uncle and aunt. They gave me the option to stay home and I took it. My Uncle and Aunt are worse than my parents."

Techno look ready to commit a homicide, "Karl-"

Dream's phone went off. He looked apologetic. 

Karl shrugged, "Pick it up." 

He picked it up, it was from his dad. 

"What's up?" 

-- 

"WHAT?"

--

"Im on my way home now."

Dream stood, "I need to go now. I'll see you two later."

He ran out the door, starting the sprint home. 

His little brothers had been in a car cash. 

Dream took a deep breath, running into the hospital, "For WasTaken family? I'm their older brother. Clay WasTaken."

The nurse nodded, "Follow me. Your parents are already in there. Youngest, Tubbo, is in worse condition. We may need to take him to the ER if he continues to get worse. As for Foolish, he seems to be stable for now but both are still unconscious."

Dream nodded, thanking her for the update, he entered the room. Blood was still spilling out of Tubbo's arm, Dream felt sick. He had been off playing house with two boys while his baby brothers were dying. 

"Oh Clay, thank god you're here," Puffy said, "What took you so long?"

"Im so sorry it took me so long," Dream apologized, "I had my phone off. What happened?"

"Foolish was driving and someone rammed into him. He was in the right, of course."

Dream grimaced, Puffy had a bad habit of being extremely biased but he didn't feel the need to correct her for now. This was a hard time and perhaps Foolish was in the right but he may have also been in the wrong, either way, this was a hard time. 

"Dream," Drista called, "Is everything going to be alright?"

Dream took a deep breath, lying through his teeth, "Yes."

Chapter Text

dream

Dream wanted to believe everything was going to be alright, he really did. But, with Puffy no longer staying at the hospital and even Jschlatt putting more time in at work, he knew something was wrong. Either, they did not have the money to make sure everything was going to be alright, or there was just no fixing it. Of course, he told Drista every time she asked that everything - everything - was going to be okay. Even when he knew the odds were certainly not in their favor - not this time. The vitals had been at an all-time low and they had to hook up ventilators and other tubes to make sure they were breathing properly, making sure their vitals were okay. Thankfully, Tubbo wasn't getting worse, he just wasn't getting better. That was the problem there. As for Foolish, he still hadn't woken up and his vitals were getting worse. There were no longer any showing wounds, they were wrapped and disinfected to the point of perfection and thankfully he seemed to be alright. But, he was getting slightly worse every day. It scared Dream. His baby brothers were hurt and fucking dying because he had to be a simp because he couldn't think about someone else for one goddamn minute. He hated himself, overwhelmed with guilt and sadness. He felt like he had failed them and perhaps he had. He had failed his family, his friends, his future because he had shut down. He sat in here 24 hours, the nurses bringing in food and almost begging him to leave, telling him to go shower. He did, but always came back, much to their dismay. He knew they wanted him to go home, to sleep. But, he couldn't. It felt like a betryal of the highest order. He hadn't been there for them before and that had been the reason they were here. 

God, he doesn't think he'll ever not feel guilty. 

His baby brothers. 

"Sir, we need to take Foolish into another room, we have to ask you to leave," the nurse explains, trying to keep her face blank, Dream feels his heart stutter in his chest. 

"What's going on?" he asks carefully, "Is everything alright?"

She smiles, trying to be reassuring, "We think so. Just go home, shower, maybe get some sleep. It'll be alright."

Dream frowned, "But-"

"Sir, we do truly understand how worried you are, but they wouldn't want you to waste away here forever," she tries, "It'll be okay."

He frowns, "I... alright. But, I'll be back."

"They are lucky to have a brother who calls so much," she hummed, patting his back, "We'll call you if anything drastic happens. Would you like to leave a number?"

He nods, "Here, xxx-xxx-xxxx."

She writes it down, placing the paper in a manila folder, and then nodded at him, "We'll be awaiting your return."

He nods, leaving the hospital for the first time in... days? Weeks? Time had constricted together. He got in his car, turning on the ignition and buckling himself in, making sure to look both ways before jumping on the road, driving home with a sort of purpose. Who knows how much make-up work he needed to do. Because of a recent pandemic, they had made it able to work online and he was prepared to fully take advantage of it. In the midst of his funk he had fallen into, he had not worked on his work, but he was going to finish as much work as he could while he was at home. 

Home.

He was happy to be home, but that didn't take him any time to think back to his brothers and immediately feel guilty he was here - home! While they were in a hospital bed that was gross and sick-like. The more he thought about it the more he wanted to cry.

His phone had been dead for a few days now, so he decided to plug it in and do that rejuvenating thing that the nurse had been talking about. He went to the shower and let all the grime flow off of him into the sewers. He felt himself relax into it, let himself rest, closing his eyes in a sort of relaxed way, trying to ignore the feeling of discontent. It was always there, but it seemed more prominent now that he had returned home. His mother, who had become a workaholic since the incident, hadn’t been home since. Her job had been sending her around the country so she could wrack up more money. Drista had been sent to stay with Jschlatt and Quackity, who had become fast friends, and Jschlatt had gotten another job besides the teaching job to bring in some extra cash. Quackity had even started working. It made Dream’s heart ache with worry. However, there was a knock on the door, and Dream groaned, getting out of the shower and yelled, “I’m coming,” before rushing to throw some clothes on. 

He wasn’t sure who he was expecting, but it wasn’t George and Sapnap. 

“What the hell are you two doing here?” Dream asked, annoyance all over his face.

Sapnap raised an eyebrow, “ Well , a few weeks ago I asked to talk to you and you never fucking answered? Sound familiar?”

Dream’s face flickered in remembrance, “Ah, yes. I’m sorry about that, Sap. I’ve been really busy lately-”

“With your two whores? Technoblade and Karl?”

“Actually, family issues,” Dream replied, smiling tight, “And I’d really appreciate it if you brought that ,” Dream motioned towards George, “Away from my home, thanks.”

Sapnap looked worried for a moment, “Oh yeah? Family shit? Is that why you haven’t been at school?”

Dream’s face went blank- he was gonna be frank. Once his baby brother’s were in the hospital, he really didn’t give a fuck towards school. He had emailed his teachers from the hospital, doing his work while sitting inside there, tired eyes and tears from stress. He had been ignoring his phone though- all the texts and yes he felt bad. Especially from the group chat.

“Well, yes,” Dream said with a deadpan look, “Look, this is the first time I’ve been home in weeks. So, just tell me what you want me to know and go. If it’s that y’all are dating, I. Don’t. Care. So if that’s it, fuck off. If it’s something of importance, hit me with it, Sap.”

“Dre-” Sapnap started, “Look, I just wanted to tell you, George does make me really happy and I… I know he did some really fucked up things. He wants to apologize.”

Dream raised an eyebrow, looking towards George who looked completely uncomfortable, Dream prompted George to say what he came here to say. 

“Look. Dream,” George started, taking a deep breath, “I know, we were, like, perfect. And I missed you - a lot. That’s why I dated Sapnap at first because I knew it would fuck with you and I knew it would bother you. And I knew Sapnap liked Karl. But, then Sapnap and I started spending time together after like us pretendin’ we were in love or whatever-”

Dream put up a hand, “Look, Sap’s one of my best friends, I want him happy. I get that I upset you Sapnap when I dated Karl- but it was fake. We only dated to get George off my ass. But, when we broke up, it hurt more than anything in the world and I realized that I actually really liked him. And don’t even get me started on Techno. Look, the point is, I appreciate the apology, but I don’t like you. So, please get off my property before I call my dad.”

Sapnap tensed up at the mention of Mr. Jschlatt- Dream rarely called his dad when he needed help with this kinda stuff, but one time Sapnap and Dream were getting bullied by these older kids and Dream called his dad. Sure, they were made fun of, till this fucking huge ass man came up and was holding a fucking gun and looked like he was going to rock their shit. Sapnap was happy to be Dream’s friend at that moment, “Alright, man. But, Coach says you need to come back soon.”

Dream sighed, “I will. I will chill.”

Sapnap nodded, “Take care of yourself.”

Dream nodded, before shutting the door. 

Dream groaned, he knew he needed to go to school this week, he needed to go to football practice this week, and he knew he needed to confront his… his what? What were Technoblade and Karl to him? Especially since Karl was a Senior. They were graduating this year. They told him they were going to a college nearby, but far enough from their parents so they could be free. Dream had pretended to be happy for Karl because he was- they deserved to be free from their parents, but he was gonna miss them. 

Even if Technoblade was in the same grade with Dream, but they would be missing them desperately. 

He felt his phone buzz and decided he had been putting it off for far too long. 

jacobs <3

x/xx/xxxx

are u comin’ to astronomy today?

well, considering u aren’t here… 

u could’ve just said no

Is everything ok with ur parents

u kinda went afk since the art project 

we got a 100 btw 

i think our art teacher thinks ur hot 

Ok ok sorry 

Tech says he misses u-

He’ll text u too dw 

x/xx/xxxx

Ok so it’s been a week 

:( 

sapnap and george were making out in the 

art room today and i need bleach 

im pretty sure techno is gonna rage quit soon

i had to take senior pics today 

my parents told me i had to move out as soon as i graduated

So yay

ive gotten into a few good schools 

But ive decided to go with crew college

Ive heard they… have a good fb team

And they’re coming to scout in 3 weeks

Hopefully ur back :/

But techno says he’s gonna apply there too

x/xx/xxxx

It’s been 2 and a half weeks

The scouts are coming to next week's game

I heard from the coach ur coming to this weeks
Practices 

Everyones super excited to see u again

Most techno and i 

But tommy’s elastic 

x/xx/xxxx

me :/

hey jacobs

Im sorry for going ‘afk’ for so long

I had a family emergency 

But yeah im coming back this week

Dw ur pretty fb captain is back <3

DUDE

Im gonna fucking kill u

with what ur paint brushes?

I cant believe i fucking missed u

I missed u too

That wasn’t a lie. He did miss them, but he also was thinking more about his brothers than anything. 

technosimp <3

x/xx/xxxx 

karl told me to check in on ya

im sure ur fine

but even if u arent ik you’ll reach

out, ur not a fucking idiot

most of the time

we care abt u 

and watching george and sapnap gloat

is making me wanna kms 

please come back

x/xx/xxxx

bruhhhhh

where tf are u

it’s been 2 weeks

karl says ur dead

i think he’s joking but u could b

did we scare u off?

im sorry 

i crossed ur boundaries again

x/xx/xxxx

karl says ur coming back this week 

u fucking better 

i cannot handel sapnap being fuckin’

captain, the bitch is getting on my nerves

I swear 

me:/

bro? u missed me bro?

die. 

lmfao but yeah ill b back this week

karl says we’re discussing college

options at lunch

by that he means where he’s going and seeing 

if we’re going with him

which, when i graduate, i am because i’ll get

college education to spite philza 

pretty sure thats what he wants

stfu 

but it’s good to know ur alive

yeah :) 

I’ll see u 

Dream did not want to be here, but he knew if he threw his entire life away because Tubbo and Foolish were in a coma, then the two of them would kill him when they woke up. So, he went to practice, and was surprisingly okay. He was nowhere where he used to be, but he wasn’t that bad. He had worked hard the entire practice, especially after the coach told him he had to work because of the scouts, and he swore he’d get into the same school as them. He swore. So, he worked. He stayed late everyday that week- running drills and working as hard as he could. Dream would be drenched in sweat when he got home. His eyes were heavy during classes and he slept during lunches with Techno and Karl- the two of them were worried, but kept them to themselves knowing full well they’d be ignored. 

“Karl,” Dream slurred, “How much time do we have?”

“Like 10 more minutes,” he hummed, rubbing his hands over the other’s hair while Techno laid on Karl’s lap- it was their day to be the human pillow, and so he complied. Dream sighed in satisfaction, he was satisfied with ten more minutes. He could value that. He had to. 

“Dream’,” Techno asked gruffly, “Why are ya working so hard for these damn games?”

 Dream frowned, “I told you, Techno , I may be smart, but it wouldn’t hurt to get as many scholarships as possible. And if I can get in on a full ride, my parents can focus on saving up for the medical stuff for Tubbo and Foolish.”

Techno hummed, “That’s true. But if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll get hurt in the game and then all of your effort will be wasted.”

Dream rolled his eyes, “I know that. But if I can just make up for lost time and get noticed, then I’ll be good to go.”

“Dream,” Karl tsked, “You’re still only a Junior. You two don’t have to graduate early-”

Techno laughed, “Like we’re leaving our pretty partner all alone in college. Think of all the people who will try and steal you away, Karl.”

Karl glared at Techno with fondness, “Well-”

Dream laughed, a full on wheeze for the first time in a while and he relaxed back into Karl’s chest, sleeping for a few more minutes.