Of Gods and Worship - Dreamnoblade

4.

"Are you worried?"

"Are you not?" Dream is frantic, eyes darting nervously all over the dilapidated statue and the intricate webbings of cracks that form along its surface and run deep into its core. It is completely faded of color, and it looks as though a single gust of wind would send it tumbling to the ground. "It's your statue."

"It is a piece of marble." Techno waves it off uncharacteristically nonchalantly. He avoids looking at it, as though it would pain him. "I have no need for it anymore."

Anymore? "Well, it's sacred to me at the very least. You know, since I'm the priest of this temple and all."

"It's been long, but not that long, Dream." There's that strange look on his face again, the one he has seen many times before. It gives way to a lot of questions just begging to be asked and answered. "I haven't forgotten about that. I would never."

The priest doesn't reply as he goes back to attempting to restore the statue or at least keep it together in whatever way he can. Frustratingly, the ring of flame prevents him from getting any closer and the god simply refuses to help him get past it. He's ready to give up entirely, thinking that he can perhaps approach some people in a nearby settlement to get them to help him. Footsteps echo behind him and a hand squeezes his shoulder to urge him to turn around.

"Would you care to take a walk through the gardens?" Techno offers gently. "Just for a little break."

Dream sighs, but he's more tired than exasperated. "I cannot think when someone is talking to me."

"Then we won't talk." The other promises, and he knows he wouldn't go against that despite everything. "Just relax, please? It cannot be healthy to be that stressed."

"... alright."

"Thank you."

Dream would hate to admit it, but the fresh air actually clears his head quite a bit. Perhaps he really had just panicked too quickly, never letting himself think of other solutions to the problem. He's grateful that his god looks after him to this degree. Besides, the gardens have always had a calming quality to them, with the rows of crops and flowers simply soothing to the eye and always reminiscent of more good times than he can count. Even Techno beside him seems to visibly relax now that he's away from the main temple, though it's obvious he still has something on his mind with the way he fidgets in place every so often.

"I'm okay now." He mumbles as they sit down on the bench they put up a few seasons prior, leaning against the other's side and cherishing his warmth. It brings him more comfort than he would ever say out loud. "Speak, please. It looks as though you are about to burst should you not be able to ask that question plaguing your mind."

"Do you remember around when we first met," He wraps one arm around his waist and pulls him closer, his whisper more felt than heard. "When I had asked you if you wish for me to leave you be?"

"Yes. It's not like it's been that long, of course I remember." It's the second time today that the strange look has made itself known on Techno's face. It's been showing up more often recently, and Dream makes a note to ask him about it when the statue situation is taken care of.

"To a god, this is a profound question. To a human, this is a simple one." Crimson eyes pierce deep into emerald ones, ready to shatter them and see right through him. "Do you ever wish for something you cannot have?"

"Yes, I do." Dream doesn't even waste a breath before answering. It is all too easy to say that, all too easy to admit it to that extent. "You do not have to ask when the answer is obvious."

"Humans are disposable, Dream." Techno has an unreadable expression. "You are not."

"I should be thankful, then. I am glad that I am at least somewhat memorable to the god I worship."

"What is it that you wish for? You have me at your fingertips. Say the word. I will heed it."

"It is something you cannot give." The priest says breathlessly, feeling his veins surge with power the moment those words leave his god's lips. And yet, he will not let himself use it. "And it is something I cannot have." For gods are like the constellations in the night sky. Ever present, ever ethereal, and ever untouchable.

The god leans in to whisper, hot breath tickling sensitive ears. They're facing each other at this point, intertwined fingers such a natural gesture that they didn't even notice it. "Or is it something you already have?"

And Dream dares to dream when the flames are dancing on his fingertips so tantalizingly, when Techno's warmth and the prospect of keeping it forever is so enticing. "Why do you look at me so longingly, Techno, when you already have all of me?"

For the first time, the flames freeze for a moment. When they come back, they are hotter than ever. "Why do you do the same, Dream?"

The barely present distance between them is finally closed, and the world erupts in a flurry of searing heat. They pull each other closer than ever before, free fingers tangling themselves into messy locks of hair as lips part to make way for burning themselves from within. Dream lets himself be burned, lets himself be pricked by thorns, lets himself fall into a god's deadly embrace.

It is no matter; Techno is there to catch him. All he's ever known could become ashes in the fervent flames enveloping them and he would still trust Techno with his heart. After all, he is a priest blinded by loyalty to his god. After all, he is a priest offering himself to the flame he has always tended to. After all, he is Dream letting himself love Techno in the fullest. Everything is right. Everything has fallen into place.

And then the statue crumbles from age. And then the skies roar in realization and anger.