Technoblade knew his cousin. He knew Eret better than most people did in fact. So when Eret came down the stairs with a packed bag and unreadable face, it wasn't hard to know that something had gone wrong. Yet what really gave it away wasn't the lack of emotion or the words Eret said, it was the makeup. It wasn't unusual for her to wear makeup, but the way it was put on so sloppily made Technoblade look again. It was chalky and uneven and only surrounded their chin and neck area.

"Well I don't know about you two," she muttered, holding the bag close. "But I'm ready to get out of here. I'm still welcome correct?"

"Of course you are," Dream smiled warmly. "As I said, I know what it's like. I'd physically fight Techno if he tried to change his mind."

Eret snickered, bowing his head, trying to hide the laugh. Technoblade laughed as well, but it was more forced and stopped the second he saw why Eret's makeup was on so patchily. He knew better than to say anything right now, but his heart sank and he started to urge Dream and Eret towards the door faster.

"Well let's get going. Dream, don't you have to work today?" he asked.

The color drained from Dream's face, leaving his green eyes as a stark contrast to his pale skin. "Shit, I do actually. And in an hour. We don't really have time to drop you both off at home. Eret can you drive?"

"Um, no, I can't actually. I'm not allowed to get my license for another two years."

As they all got in the car, Dream frowned a bit. "Well, then it looks like you'll both be hanging out for a long time today. I'll get you drinks though."

"Where do you work? We didn't actually talk about this last night."

Eret's mood lifted instantly, the security of the car and the presence of a friend being enough to distract him. Technoblade felt a bit jealous, but also relieved that Dream was able to befriend people so easily. As Dream drove and the two chatted, the pinkette took that time to analyze the friendship between them. It was pure and one of the most hopeful things Technoblade had seen for some time. It wasn't until they arrived at the coffee shop that Techno said anything.

"I'm really glad you two get along."

The two stopped talking instantly, feeling called out, but their smiles remained. "You picked a good one Techno. He's cool," Eret said.

"You too," Dream answered, staring at the cafe. "Well, you two can sit inside the cafe the whole shift. I'll buy you drinks too."

"Looks like we finally get to catch up Technoblade. It's been far too long."

"Oh, shut it. Let's get inside. We don't want to keep Dream waiting on us," he started to shuffle the crutches out.

The three filed inside, Technoblade taking a seat near the back and somewhat closer to the bar as Eret and Dream went to order. Dream felt a twinge of anxiety pop up as he saw Wilbur, knowing that he hadn't actually talked with his boss about what was going on, and seeing that he called out yesterday, the man was bound to ask. Wilbur finished making a drink for another customer before turning to the register.

"Well look who the cat drug in. How's it going Dream and… mystery brunette whom I've never met," he locked eyes with Eret.

"Oh, this is Eret, Techno's cousin. Eret, this is my boss and the owner of the shop, Wilbur," Dream introduced them, stepping aside awkwardly.

"Nice to meet you Eret. Dream forgot something about me, I'm his friend too. What can I get you?" Wilbur placed the steam wand rag down, wiping his hands on the apron he wore.

"Hmm, a vanilla latte, almond milk please," the brunette glanced at the menu very briefly. "What will Technoblade want?"

"I don't actually know what he likes exactly. I also make him a random drink and then he guesses it. You should pick what he gets this time. I on the other hand will just do the butterscotch and Irish cream latte," Dream addressed Wilbur for the last part.

"No really, what does he like?"

"I don't know. I know he doesn't like coconut that much."

"Fine umm…. Toffee nut and raspberry latte then," she muttered.

"Alright. Anything else for you?"

"Nope," Dream said, pulling out his wallet. "Wasn't Phil supposed to be here today?"

Wilbur's smile vanished nearly instantly. "There was a small incident. He's currently out for a few days. Tubbo too. Until then, it's you, me, Tommy, and the other two."

"I understand. Let me know if you need any shifts covered. I should be free for the most part," he said softly. "How much I owe you?"

"Clock in early and I'll give you the on-shift discount," Wilbur jested, trying to lighten the mood.

"You have yourself a deal. Eret, join Technoblade and I'll bring your drinks out in a moment."

The brunette left, joining Techno at the table. Dream paid and then joined Wilbur behind the bar, grabbing the cleanest apron of the bunch that sat near the pantry door. Wilbur stepped behind the espresso machine, hoping his employee would do the same. It was just out of sight of most of the cafe, allowing the two some privacy.

"Hey," Dream said, picking up Techno's cup. "Is everything okay?"

"I should be asking you the same thing. But no. Tubbo was kicked out last night. My dad is working to gain temporary custody of him. He's staying with me until then, but we can't really afford that, and Tommy and him are such good friends that it only makes sense for him to stay with him and my dad."

"Ah, well I'm kind of in the same situation. Eret wasn't kicked out exactly, but he wasn't welcomed there anymore either. So he's staying with Techno and I," he said, bending to grab the milk from the fridge below.

"At least he has you guys. If y'all ever need anything, you can always come to us. Just so you know," Wilbur locked eyes with Dream.

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

—

"Don't ask Technoblade. You already know."

"He's still being that rough with you? God damnit Eret you should've told me. I would have stepped in and helped long before," Techno sighed.

"Oh don't pretend you didn't already know. It was going on long before you moved out and it was never going to stop. It has lessened recently, this is the first time I've had to cover up anything for a few months. But every time you come around… He's just reminded of how much of a disappointment I am to him," Eret looked down at their hands. "It's fine though. I'll survive this like I have everything else."

"I'm sorry Eret. I never meant to cause you pain like this. What did he do this time," the pinkette said softly.

The brunette's shoulders slumped as he allowed his eyes to close. "Well as expected he was sending me to the lake house with your parents. I would leave after Christmas and then I would have a year to either be in a school of his choice or be completely independent of him. I was told that I was a disappointment and the bruises I think were actually accidental. He just grabbed my chin really hard. See? Not nearly as bad as it was."

"Doesn't make it any more right Eret. It's never been okay and it isn't okay now."

She bit her lip, not answering Techno as Dream came over with their drinks. "Not my creations, but Eret's. Blame them if you don't like it," he joked softly. "Is everything okay over here?"

Dream liked to think that he excelled when it came to reading a room. The tension between his boyfriend and newly found friend was and had been clear, but this was different. It felt almost like fear and he wondered if it had anything to do with Eret's current situation. Knowing it wasn't his place to push, Dream set down the cups and went to leave.

"Hey Dream, do you have a moment?" Eret asked softly.

Taking a quick glance around the rather emp[ty cafe, he nodded. "Yeah, Wilbur won't mind. What's up?"

"I just think it's fair to let you know that my father isn't the kindest man. Technoblade is already aware, but I have been abused a bit by him. That is part of why I didn't want you to face him alone. I know he said you were in his good graces, and for now, you are, but I still want to warn you to avoid him."

Surprised by Eret's words, Dream looked to Techno and back. Techno's gaze told him that all would be revealed later and so the blonde gave Eret a nod. "Thank you, Eret for the warning. I am very sorry about your situation."

Dream dipped away from the table and Eret began to chew her lips, the nerves starting to eat away at him. "Was that too much Techno? I didn't scare him did I?"

Despite being a kind person, the brunette had never really had friends. No one was willing to give him the chance and the few who did usually just wanted the wealth that followed them. So now, meeting Dream, someone who seemed to actually care and be trustworthy, the fear of losing him was real.

"I don't think you scared him. It probably could have been addressed in a better way, I won't lie, but I think that was more shock than fear," the pinkette laughed slightly. "No need to worry."

"Oh… Okay," the words were dull, almost like footsteps on pillows; audible, but only just so.

—

"Well shit, I didn't think talking with your friends for less than a minute would have such a negative impact on you," Wilbur muttered as Dream came back, seeing the frown creasing his face.

"I think… Eret just admitted to his father abusing him?" he said, a bit shocked.

Wilbur's face darkened. "I've had it up to here with abusive fathers," his words were harsh.

Dream didn't answer, just begun to clean up the mess that sat behind the bar, lost in thought. Nix hadn't struck him as the kind to be abusive to anyone under his care, but people were always different behind closed doors. It worried Dream more than it should probably, but the words Eret had said about Technoblade at the table this morning haunted his ears.

"You're just a bit too much like my father."

If the concern of mannerisms was the only thing Dream had to worry about, it would have been fine, but the abuse was different. It was something that he had been the subject of more than once before and now, he wouldn't allow it to happen again. Things like abuse had no excuse in his mind. If this relationship was to continue, Technoblade would have to show that he truly meant no harm and would never bring it upon either of them.

"Wilbur, may I ask some advice?" he said quietly.

"Of course."

"If you were worried that your partner may become abusive in the future, would you address right away or would you wait to see what becomes of it?"

Wilbur's eyes darted from Dream directly towards Technoblade. "Never wait. Ever. That's how you end up in a situation you can't escape. However, any fear that is prominent enough to bring up, needs to be addressed carefully. Make sure you let people know when and where you will be talking. Have an escape plan. If possible, have other people there with you or at least nearby. Record the conversation if that's possible. Video is even more valuable."

"Thank you. That's good advice," he focused on the latte again.

Surely everything would be fine.