Beyond Heaven's Gate | dreamnoblade

Chapter 3

"No. No way."

"Phil, it's just for a little bit. I'll be back before you know it-"

"Techno! We talked about this. I'm not going near that with a ten-foot pole. I told you this. You can't throw this at me and expect me to be okay with it!"

They're in Techno's barn, Techno calling Phil over on false pretenses, just to get the man alone. He supposes, belatedly, that they could've just had this conversation in Phil's house, but they have too many serious chats in Phil's house. A change of scenery is in order.

Carl leans over the sturdy wooden gate holding him in his stall and nips at Techno's hair. Techno swats him away. Maybe they should've done this in Phil's house.

"Phil. My brother. My friend. My sole confidant."

"Trying to butter me up?"

"I need you to do this for me. Please, just this once."

"You're not even going to tell me what's going on? Why are you leaving so suddenly?"

"Personal business. Just need to get some things, that's all. Nothing to concern yourself with."

"I get more concerned with every sentence," Phil deadpans.

"Listen, Phil. Please. Just for a week, maybe less. You don't even gotta watch over him all the time, just make him meals and make sure he eats them."

"What is he, a dog? Am I supposed to take him on walks, too?"

"Phil," Techno frowns, "That's not funny."

"Sorry."

A beat of silence.

"Does Dream even know you're leaving?"

Techno cringes, "Not yet. I've been kinda puttin' it off."

"Oh, this is going to go over well." Phil huffs in amusement. "Look, I'll watch over Dream. Just... know that you'll have to make it up to me big later."

"Deal."

---

Dream, as a matter of fact, does not take it well. He's staring up at Techno with wide eyes, betrayal running deep. Techno sighs, scratching the back of his neck, confronting the very thing he didn't want to.

"It's only for a little bit. I'll be back before you know it! In the meantime, Phil is gonna look after you and take care of the house. Okay?"

"You're leaving?" Dream repeats for the third time, as if in shock. Techno supposes maybe learning that your sole trusted caretaker suddenly leaving could result in a form of shock.

"Dream. Listen. It's not forever. I'll be back, okay?" Techno gently grabs Dream's shoulders. "Okay?"

Dream nods.

"It'll be a week, max. Phil will watch over you, cook you meals and such. I trust Phil with my life; he'll take good care of you." Techno will ensure that.

Dream nods again.

"Good," Techno leans back, releasing Dream. The man sways on his feet, staring off past Techno with unseeing eyes. Techno sighs, trying to think of something that'll bring Dream back to earth. "I leave tomorrow, but that doesn't mean I can't make us a really awesome dinner. You hungry?"

Dream gives a shy smile, "Yeah."

Dream's gotten a lot better when it comes to stomaching meals. Techno feels confident enough in Dream to prepare him half a chicken thigh, seasoned in salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion and garlic powder. Baked in the oven to golden perfection. Plated with a side of mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy.