It's No Longer Just Your War- Dream SMP AU

Chapter 3- Preparations

This chapter is pretty slow, just a heads up.  I've been feeling generous, but don't expect updates this frequently after this week.  Anyways, I'm starting to get tired, so this'll be my last update for today and whatnot.  Enjoy!

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The next morning, Techno awoke to silence. The entire house was quiet. Yawning, he turned over and glanced at a clock. No wonder it's silent, it's five thirty. Figuring there was no way he would be able to fall back asleep, he stood shakily and looked around. The simple wooden furniture and creme walls gave the room a drab aura, but Techno knew that nothing about this house could be drab or boring. Stretching and groaning, he stumbled to the bathroom and attempted to fix his hair. A night of tossing and turning had turned it into a colorful rat's nest, and simply running his fingers through it wouldn't fix anything. He searched the various drawers and cabinets but a brush was nowhere to be found.

Techno left the bathroom and stepped into the empty hallway. He quietly padded into the first room and found George, Dream, and Sapnap asleep in bunk beds. At least he assumed it was Dream, as the sandy-haired boy had his back turned. He spied an open door also leading to a bathroom and nudged it open. This bathroom was full of random hair products, skin care, and was that eyeliner? Then he spotted a hairbrush and swiped it. Running it through his hair, Techno winced at the crackling of knots being pulled loose. Finally, once his hair was somewhat decent, Techno gingerly laid the brush back down and left the bathroom.

He re-entered the bedroom to find Sapnap wide awake, facing Techno with raised eyebrows. Sapnap slid down from the top bunk and stealthily made his way towards that hallway, gesturing for Techno to do the same. Closing the door behind him, Techno followed Sapnap all that way down to the sitting room.

"So do you want to explain what you were doing in our bathroom or should I just start guessing?"

"I needed a brush."

There was a beat of awkward silence before Sapnap said, "Well if you want to come, I usually go for morning runs."

Techno shrugged. "Sure."

"Alright, cool. I just need to change first," Sapnap said, distastefully eyeing his bright red onesie. "Do you need running shoes?"

"Nah, I have a pair."

"Alright then. Put on something comfortable and meet me out front."

Techno nodded and padded back up stairs. He riffled through his things before finally finding an old pair of basketball shorts and a sweatshirt. He pulled that on, then some black ankle socks and black gym shoes. Tucking his hair in a messy ponytail, Techno walked back downstairs and out the front door. He stretched his legs, arms, and back before Sapnap finally joined him. Turning, Techno jumped, then stifled a laugh. Sapnap wore a pair of black leggings and a white cotton crop-top.

"These are George's, I just like to steal his stuff," Sap explained with a mischievous smile.

"You still have more fashion than me," Techno admitted, feeling inadequate in his old baggy clothes. Sap gave a small laugh and eyeroll, but shook his head and started jogging. Techno followed him, easily keeping pace. The two quickly made their way down the driveway and out into the open road. Having no clue where they were going, Techno simply followed Sap. A comfortable silence fell between the two, neither of them feeling the need to talk. Sapnap started picking up the pace, and Techno took the challenge. Soon, Techno was in front and began to leave Sap in the dust.

Sap growled softly and sped up, trying to push faster. Soon, the two boys were sprinting down the dirt road, the barely risen sun already warming their backs. Some small food trucks and other vehicles passed them, gently honking their horns in warning. Birds perched on branches and sang. Sap suddenly branched off onto a side path and Techno raced after him. They dove deeper and deeper into the woods, the sunlight a dappled green. Techno felt the familiar band of pressure begin to constrict his chest, but he ignored it and kept pushing. A minute later, Sapnap turned to find the pink haired boy on the ground, purple faced and wheezing. Terrified, Sapnap raced back a few paces.