Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

If Techno was being honest, it was a wonder how he had not fallen off his horse yet. The ride was bumpy and he was in no way stable, the only thing keeping him strapped on was sheer determination and luck at this point.

Scenery blurred as Carl ran, heavy hooves pounding on barely formed gravel paths that layed out in front of him, though he supposed the unfocused sight could be the blood loss. His vision was swimming and hazy already as he struggled to keep his eyes open, not even to count for the speed at which they were traveling. He wasn't quite sure where he was, not really caring as long as it was away.

He had lost his pursuers a while back if he was as lucky as he thought he was, having had Carl weave through the trees and over small creeks or fallen logs, though even still he didn't risk slowing down. Instead Carl kept running, Techno barely conscious enough or strong enough to stay on for the ride.

Just a bit longer. He told himself. A bit longer and he could find somewhere to rest. A place to maybe try to stitch up the hole in his side. A place to recover long enough for him to be able to get back to work. He just prayed to whatever god that he would be able to make it that far without passing out. The pain hadn’t yet returned from the initial shock of being stabbed in the side and jumping from a 3rd story window thankfully, meaning he was running on adrenaline and spite, which he could assume wasn't good for his health but it was better than not running at all, or lying there in crippling pain.

Techno wasn't sure where he'd end up, but wherever it was he hoped he'd have enough time and supplies to fix his side before his inevitable crash. From the way his head was fogging however, he didn’t exactly love his odds. 

No. No he could do this. He had survived worse, and he had a reputation to uphold. He couldn't let one sour job ruin that, he was the Blood God or The Blade, maybe  Protesilaus-

Whatever name they gave him. He wasn't allowed to die here, not like this.

“Come on carl…just a bit longer” he murmured to his horse as he scanned the woods around him, his eyes catching on smoke not too far in the distance. He threw up a prayer to Prime that whoever was making the smoke wouldn't kill him on sight as he pulled on Carl's reins weakly, trying to steer him in the direction to go. He could make it. It couldn't be more than 6 minutes away at this pace, he just hoped he'd be able to keep awake for that long.

It was slowly getting more difficult to breathe however and his breaths coming in shallower, more forced as they ran, fingers barely clutching onto the reins anymore. It took all of his remaining strength just to keep from tipping off Carl's back, the saddle slick with what he could only assume was blood. It wasn't the first time he was covered in blood. Hell it wasn't even the first time he was covered in his own blood but still it was everywhere. Staining all of his clothes, coating his horses back and matting in his hair. It was going to be a pain to clean.

“If you live that long '' His brain provided unhelpfully.

He didn't want to know what creatures he was attracting with the sharp metallic scent but he could only hope if he didn't make it they'd be satisfied with his body and not bother with Carl, he was a good horse. He’d really hate to see anything bad happen to him. He wondered absently what would happen to him if Techno didn't make it. He doubted he could handle himself in the wild, no matter how resourceful and smart he was for a horse, (unlike his last one which he had appropriately named Brick). Maybe he could find his way towards the smoke and find people to take him. A good riding horse wasn't hard to come by but one like Carl was worth more gold than most families made in a lifetime.

Maybe Carl would have a better life. He hoped so. 

His brain was fogging as it fantasized about the life his horse would have without him before Techno shook off the small, blood loss induced daydream. 

Right. Dying. Eyes on the prize Tech.

They were getting close enough that Techno could spot where the smoke had come from and he wasn't sure if he was relieved or more worried about it. In the large clearing ahead of him was a cottage. It seemed nice and homey enough, surrounded by gardens and flowers, a tree with a swing and some animal pens. A small family house maybe. He just hoped that they wouldn't kill him on the spot or let him bleed to death outside. Maybe feed him to the pigs. Would it technically be cannibalism? How distantly related were piglins and normal pigs?

God his brain really was babbling.

Carl slowed as he made his way into the clearing and Techno did his best to sit up, head swirling hard enough that he had to wait a second before trying to get himself off Carl's back though it did little to help. He swung his legs down, only to have to catch his left knee from buckling under the weight, clinging to Carl so he didn't end up on his butt. He could feel the way he had broken it, new spouts of pain blooming and he winced, feeling bits of bone crunch. It was probably completely shattered and it was a wonder he could put any weight on it at all. That really wasn't going to be fun to heal. 

He did his best to limp toward the door, clutching the hole in his side and barely making it to the front garden. Through a small window he could just barely look into the small house, though his brain didn't pick up on many of the details. He felt like his thoughts were wading through mud. 

Just barely he managed to register a head of blond hair standing by a kitchen sink before his knee collapsed under him. He didn't know if he made a noise when he hit the ground but his side was screaming, feeling like fire while the rest of his body was scarily cold. 

At least someone would find his body, he thought. If he was pig food he wouldn't be all that mad. He struggled to take in another breath as he stared up at the sky his vision clouding over.

His last thought before unconsciousness was how shit it was to die in someone's carrot garden.

~~~

It was usually pretty peaceful on the farm, Phil thought.

Especially at night, when the sun had set and most animals were asleep, it left only the noise of crickets and the crackling fire to keep Phil company. He didn't mind it. Quite the opposite really, he loved the quiet, having moved out so far on purpose. The seclusion being a good way to keep the stress of the hussle and bussle of a town out, letting him take life at his own pace after living for so long for other people. 

It was however, on quiet nights like tonight that left Phil missing the noise and chaos of having his sons home with him. 

Loud laughter around the hearth, Tommy telling some outlandish story about what he and Tubbo had gotten up to on their weekly trip to the village, or Wilbur strumming quietly on his guitar. Letting Phil just sit back and listen to the music and sweet singing.

He did miss it, now with Tommy staying away on his apprenticeship and Wilbur out playing with his band for the whole continent… he missed his boys. He couldn't be upset though. Not with how excited Tommy sounds in his letters, telling Phil all about what Sam had been showing him and Tubbo, the kind of jobs they had been contracted for or when he gets the occasional one from Wilbur, sending back gifts from all the different places he traveled. 

No, he wasn't upset. They were both growing into amazing young men and Phil really couldn't be prouder of them, even if the thought of them both so far away from his nest tugged on his aching heart.

 Loneliness, he decided, was a real bitch.

Phil sighed quietly as he sat in his armchair, knees pulled up as he rested his book against them, a cup of warm tea clutched in his hands as he read. 

It wasn't that cold out yet, summer not having yet fully left and autumn just poking its head around the corner. He'd have to worry about the change in crops soon. Preserving what he has left of the summer foods and getting ready for autumn harvests. He’s definitely excited for the apple trees to bloom. He had been wanting apple cider for weeks but none of the summer blooming apple trees had the right taste to them.

Maybe Wilbur would visit by the time he had enough fruit to make into pies. Wil always enjoyed pie making with Phil in their kitchen, he hated for him to miss it this year, plus the company was always welcome. Though he didn't sound like he was coming home anytime soon from what he could make out in his last letter. 

Phil groaned a bit as he stretched in his chair, closing his book and setting it down so he could straighten his legs in front of him, slowly rising and letting his wings unfold as far as he could inside. 

Even if Wilbur wasn't home he's sure Niki would appreciate a pie. He'd have to bring her one and a few dozen apples when he went into town after they bloomed. She would for sure want them for her own recipes. He always knew how high demanded seasonal pastries were at her bakery.

Phil shuffled his way into his kitchen, pouring out the last remnants of his tea before setting out to wash the dishes when he saw how full the sink was. He had been putting it off for no reason other than laziness so he supposed he might as get it done. 

The sun was long gone by the time he finished, the last tendrils of light that were  peeking over the horizon disappearing when he set his last few bowls in the drying rack. He should probably get to sleep soon… he had finished work outside early today but with how the sky was looking he wouldn't be surprised if it rained later in the day tomorrow. He'd have to make sure to get everything done with earlier then.

He was drying his hands off on his trousers when he heard the thud followed by a loud whiny, freezing him in place. He should probably go out and see what spooked the horse…though he felt as if something was off. It would be better to be cautious than underprepared he thought, quickly making his way back into the living room and grabbing his sword from where it leaned against the fireplace. 

He peeked slightly out the window to be met with the sight of a horse he didnt recognize. It was be spooked by something, though what really caught Phil's attention was the dark staining on their saddle. Well then. That was never a good thing was it? Phil rushed to the front door, looking through the window at the top when he saw the body. He pushed his way outside rushing over to the collapsed figure, sword discarded by the entrance. He normally would be more cautious about a random bloody stranger in his yard but by the amount of blood present he didn't think this stranger could put up much of a fight if he tried. 

The man was, well, big to put it bluntly. Just from what Phil could tell from him lying down, he had to be at least 5 inches taller than him and covered in muscle. He was probably some sort of piglin hybrid as well, seeing as his long, braided hair was a light pink, though now currently being stained with a deep crimson, along with large, mean looking bottom tusks. Any other piglin traits he had couldn't be seen well in the dark, though Phil could probably pick them out better once inside if he wanted to. It might even be helpful since, even though this wasn't his first time meeting a piglin, it was the first time he'd met one so bulky. It would be better to know if he was mixed with something else too just in case. 

Phil dropped to his knees quickly, doing his best to feel for a pulse point anywhere on the man, and managing to catch a very faint one on his neck. Ok so at least he isn't dead for the time being, though he might be soon if phil doesn't do something.

Phil took a deep breath as he stood, preparing himself before hoisting the man up, to get him inside. After some adjusting he managed to pull the man into the house and quickly deposited him on the kitchen table. He lit a few more lights before turning his attention to the man, trying to sort out where his injuries were. Thankfully, the large stab wound in his side wasn't exactly difficult to spot. 

Phil grabbed his scissors, cutting away the man's shirt with one hand as he did his best to apply pressure to his side, wincing slightly as he felt bone shift. He pulled back the cloth he assumed used to be white to clear the area better before lifting his hand slightly.  

He took a wash cloth and water basin to wipe away some of the blood, tring to make sure there was nothing left in the wound. When he was sure he returned to applying pressure, needing the bleeding to slow before he was able to properly close and dress it. 

Keeping one hand on the man's wound, he made his way around the table to the bottom cabinets, grabbing one of the few health potions he had prepared for emergencies. He slowly poured it over his own hand, letting it seep into the wound slowly. It wouldn't knit it together completely but it would probably help with the bleeding. 

Once he was sure the bleeding had slowed, health potion taking effect in helping to stabilize him, Phil worked on stitching up the wound. It was still rather large, though the sides had started pinching closed thanks to the potion. He worked his needle and thread through the skin, closing and tying off each stitch until it was completely sealed. 

He took out clean dressings, washing the blood off from around where the stitches were before soaking more gauze in diluted health potion, pressing it gently to the wound and wrapping over it, doing his best to maneuver the much larger and completely unconscious body. 

Once Phil was sure this stranger wasn't going to bleed out on his table he finally took a deep breath. This… wasn't how he imagined his night to go if he was being honest. 

He was also able to give the man a proper look over. He definitely was much taller than Phil was, though he wasn't as piglin as he first looked. While his piglin features stood out, he has more human-like traits than Phil had first thought. Even his size was more realistic in the candle light. He was covered in scars, his arms, chest and face sporting ones that were probably years old and a few newer ones here and there, though he knew that this would definitely be one of his more prominent ones.

Phil also didn't fail to notice the long netherite blade strapped to his non-injured side. Whistling Phil unsheathed it carefully, and placed it next to his own. A blade like that definitely cost the man a pretty penny, and Phil wondered what enchantments he had put on it. He could admire the craftsmanship later he thought, right now he really should get the man into some new clothes and a bed. 

In the end, Wilbur's clothes were the only things that remotely fit him, a white tunic that was oversized even on his incredibly tall son and loose fitting trousers that clung all weird to the man though it was better than the blood soaked and torn clothes he had been sporting before. When changing him, Phil cringed at the sight of the man's knee. It was swollen, bruised, blooming in deep purples and blacks. He wondered if the man had tried to walk on it to get to the door… He wasn't anywhere near prepared enough to handle broken bones, the best he could do being immobilizing it until he could call in an actual healer… he'd have to go find Ponk soon then, knowing from experience not to try and use more health potions, fearing the bone would heal all fucked up.

He did his best to wrap it in a way that would cause the least amount of pain before working out a makeshift splint. It would have to do until he could be properly looked at.

He thankfully was able to get the man upstairs, careful not to jostle the stitches as he hauled him up and to the only beds in the house. He laid him down in the guest bed, pulling the blankets over the man, though he forwent the heavy comforter, remembering how hot piglins normally ran. 

He hoped he woke up soon. Phil could really use some answers.

Chapter Text

When Technoblade woke up, he didn't recognize where he was. 

While that fact alone had alarms blaring in his head, forcing him to consciousness between one breath and the next, he was quick to realize he could barely move. His limbs like lead and his head full of cotton and he tried to blink the sleep from his eyes. 

Sun shone through the open window next to the bed, a breeze gently blowing the sheer white curtains inward, warm rays cast over pristine white blankets that he was tucked under, all neat and proper laying over him.

It was all way to clean.. to warm for Techno. He was more used to sleeping in pay by the hour inns where there was always some sort of noise keeping him from sleep or outside, leaning against trees or even up in the branches if he thought they could hold him, being in a house, a room was strange to say the least. The quiet, sereneness unsettled him… Or, at least he presumed this was a house. Most likely the small cottage he had stumbled upon while half bled out and delusional if he had to take a guess.

They hadn't left him to die outside then. How generous..

He forced his body to move best he could with limited degrees of success, doing what he could to regain control of his arms and legs as he pushed himself up against the headboard, wincing slightly at the pull in his side. 

He raised his hand to his ribs, feeling where the pain came from, fingers brushing lightly along bandages and wraps. It was right over where he remembered getting stabbed as expected which meant whoever had patched him up definitely stitched it closed. Well at least he wasn't dead. That was really a plus.. Even so, he should get going before whoever it was that fixed him up came to check on him. He didn't want to have to owe them anything if he could help it, and he wasn’t exactly inclined to trying to explain why exactly he passed out in their garden.

Techno groaned quietly as he tried to move his legs, only to be met with more pain from his aching knee, causing him to bite his lip roughly to avoid making a sound. 

Oh this was gonna be a pleasant escape wasn't it. 

He began with trying to pull the blankets off himself, light things that he'd be able to kick off if his leg wasn't more messed up. Honestly he really hadn't thought it had been that bad at first but apparently his fight or flight was a more powerful painkiller than he'd originally thought .

“Ah you're finally awake!” Techno froze as he heard a voice from just outside the room, eyes snapping to the doorway as a man entered, letting him get a good look at his supposed healer.

He was avian, Techno noticed first, big black wings tucked neatly behind his back as he came in, maneuvering himself and a small box of what looked like gauze and bandages under one arm through the space between the bed and what looked like a chest of drawers. He wasn't very tall, was what Techno noticed next, he's sure if he was standing (if he could stand) he could easily tower over the man by maybe around 5 or 6 inches, and he had a thinner frame. He wondered idly how he managed to carry him inside… Maybe he wasn't the only one in the house then? 

He was wearing green robes that almost reached the floor, a green and white striped bucket hat covering chin length golden hair . Techno watched with interest as it caught the light, almost reflecting like real gold...

“You've been out for a few days and I was starting to worry. Would’ve gone into town and gotten a proper healer if you were out much longer. Though that might still be necessary cause of your knee... How does your side feel?” He questioned and Techno blinked. 

Right. Injury. He was probably here to check to see how his side was coming along then.

He didn't give the man an answer however, keeping silent as he weighed his options. The blond didn't seem to mind much.

He made his way closer to Techno, setting the box down on the nightstand next to him and Techno stiffened at the close proximity. The blond didn't seem to notice at first and if he had he didn't mention it, taking out new bandages and gauze along with a pink potion that Techno could only guess was some sort of health potion before turning to face him fully.

“I was coming in to change your bandages… Do you think you could turn and face me so it'll be a bit easier?” He asked and Techno snarled slightly, pulling himself as quickly as he could across the bed until he was stuck at the other edge. He did his best to ignore the horrible spikes of pain the sudden movement caused, pushing down a bout of nausea best he could, though his head still spun. It was mostly instinct pulling back so fast.. Not letting his enemy (was he his enemy) close enough to touch his wound.

The blond man held up his hands, eyes going wide as he got up, taking a step away from the bed.

“Woah woah it's alright.. I won't come closer.” He assured though Techno was unconvinced. 

He felt helpless. His body wouldn't listen and he could barely move properly before something was yelling at him. His stomach turned at the feeling, the emptiness of it only making it worse. 

He tried to go over plans in his head. If worse comes to worse and he rips the stitches it wouldn't be the end of the world, he's sure he could redo them on his own, but his knee.. From what he could feel the man had put it in a splint and as he woke up more, beginning to move around, the throbbing only got worse and worse. He doubted he would be able to walk on it properly without doing serious damage… hell there probably already was serious damage..

He glanced out the window, not seeing the ground outside meaning they were definitely on the second floor and he wasn't sure if he could land another jump out from this height and still find Carl before the man was on him, probably making him come back inside or deciding he wasnt worth the trouble.

He could fight him… even with a bad leg he could probably stand a chance, but quickly looking around, he noticed his sword was nowhere to be seen.

He was truly and completely trapped…. It wasn't something that happened often, but Techno was smart enough to know when he's run out of options.

The man was speaking again, Techno realized. His attention switched back to the blond.

“-do anything you aren't comfortable with.. But we really should change your bandages. It can't be good for the wound to sit in the dirty ones for too long," he said. Techno took a second, trying to process what he was saying, his foggy brain taking a moment to piece together what he meant. He was probably right.. Leaving a dirty bandage on would cause a whole different world of problems, but he didn't trust the man anywhere near his injury. Even if he seemingly had to be the one to patch him up to begin with.. 

He didn't like feeling vulnerable. Vulnerabilities are what get you killed.. Here, laid out on this bed with nowhere to go and nothing to defend himself with he was probably the most vulnerable he had been in years…

Techno didn't speak, only shaking his head once harshly. A clear and definite no. 

The blond man sighed, crossing his arms over his chest and staring Techno down in a way that made him feel like a disobedient child. He expected the man to disregard what he said, pull Techno back and change his dressing anyway if he was strong enough to. Techno still stood his ground, staying as far back from the man as he could get without falling off the bed, even if it made his stitches pull strangely as he waited for the shoe to drop.

“...ok mate. How about I get you food first then? We’ll see how you're feeling after.” The man said and Techno did not respond again blinking up at him… ok.. maybe he was telling the truth..

Techno wouldn't leave his guard down though..

The other took his silence as a yes, leaving the box of supplies on the table before telling him he’ll be back and to be careful of his leg, making his way back towards and out the door. Techno took a breath, wincing slightly as something twinged as he did so. He moved back towards the middle of the bed, arranging how he was sitting so he wouldn't pull at the injuries.

He couldn't run. Until his leg wasn't absolutely killing him (which might be a little while considering how badly it was pulsing right now) he was pretty much stuck where he was in a strangers house… god this is just fantastic isn't it? Techno sighed, pinching his brow. 

If he hadn't been so stupid with his last job he wouldn't even be in this mess. He should have known better than to take clients off Bad’s recommendation. The man always saw the best in people when they didn't deserve it…probably had no clue they were planning on screwing Techno over. 

He'd have to talk to him about it when he got back. 

For now though he had to figure out what exactly he was going to do… Whoever this man was seemed nice enough so far.. Meaning he didn't kill Techno on sight which was a lot more than he expected from most people. He also healed him the best he could… He thought it was probably safe to assume he wasn't going to kill him quite yet, there would be no use healing him if he just wanted him dead, which meant he was alright here for a while..

Unless… unless he was planning on turning him in. Techno swore, that's probably it wasn't it… 

Techno had seen his own face plastered around towns of all sizes along with the words Dead or Alive. Not to mention the pretty hefty sum of gold that the empire was willing to give anyone who turned him in… If this guy had seen the posters then seen Techno and realized who he was…It wouldn't exactly be good for his chances of making it out of here a free man.. But hadn't the man said it had been days since Techno arrived..? If Techno had been dead to the world for that long and the man hadn't turned him in yet…

Technoblade's head was swimming with possibilities. He had more questions than he could easily get answers to and no way of protecting himself if the man was planning on hurting him in some way… 

Anxiety crawled into his chest as he thought it over, Techno doing his best to squash it as soon as it arose. He wouldn't get anything accomplished if he was nervous… 

Instead he decided to look over to the supplies the man had brought in, grabbing the box off the nightstand and searching through it. Clean bandages and gauze along with a pair of scissors, and needle and thread. Also, what looked like a diluted healing pot if the color was any indication... Techno uncorked it, sniffing the contents to make sure it wasn't laced with anything, sedative, poison, who knows. It wasn't as far as he could tell, thanking his piglin sense of smell to be sure of it. He wondered if the man made it himself or if he bought them from someone. 

He corked the bottle back up, setting it back into the box before putting the box down next to him on the bed. Out of the man's reach when he came back in, because he no doubt would.

From the open door, Techno could hear a bit of clambering from what he presumed to be the kitchen, pots and bowls making enough noise to carry up to his room. He reasoned he still had a few minutes, deciding to see just how messed up his knee was. He pulled back the covers seeing as it was easier than moving his legs at the moment and noted he wasn't wearing the same clothes he had on when he passed out.

Figures, his old ones had been blood covered and torn to all hell, and the man probably didn't want to stain the bed sheets the same. He prayed that he kept his cape.. he did really like that one..

He pulled up the pant leg, grimacing slightly as it caught on the makeshift splint before he unhooked it, revealing his very damaged knee. Techno couldn't help but wince at the sight. His leg was all black and blue, bruising not yet healed to a lighter yellow, and it was extremely swollen. He was no expert on broken bones but it didn't look good.

Prime… that's really not good…

Techno pulled his pant leg back down, maneuvering it over the makeshift splint and dragging the blankets back over him as he heard footsteps coming back up the stairs. The man was rather light on his feet, typical for an avian due to their hollow bones. He had worked with a few in the past, though the man's wings seemed appropriate for actual flight from what he had glimpsed, instead of gliding like he had seen most other avians do which drummed up some semblance of curiosity in him.

The blond man peeked back into the room, a tray of food held in front of him. He made his way back to the other side of the room, giving Techno an uninterrupted way to the exit. He sensed it was deliberate even if he couldn't actually get up which was definitely an interesting thing for the man to take note of. 

“Hey mate. Wasn't quite sure what you'd like so I hope potato soup is alright. Didn't want to upset your stomach with anything too solid.” He said Techno couldn't help but snort a bit. It was thoughtful, though Techno’s sure he could handle actual food if given to him even with the occasional roiling in his stomach from the pain.

He just glanced up at Techno at the noise, smiling a bit before stepping back and sitting in an armchair a few feet away, giving the pinklette some space.

Techno lifted a spoonful to his nose, sniffing lightly. It smelt delicious, and he couldn't detect any scent of a type of poison so he took a sip, glancing up at the other man as he did. The blond wasn't looking at him though, instead staring out the window towards what? Techno didn't know. The taste was about as amazing as it smelt, no bitterness to its creamy consistency. He hadn't expected there to be but better safe. He went about eating it as normal then, allowing himself to enjoy good food for the first time in a while.

Prior to being almost murdered he had really been living off dried jerky and whatever he could forage. It was summer, meaning berries and such but by the time he stopped to eat most of the time it was night and he didn't trust himself not to mess up and accidentally poison himself. He had made that mistake one too many times and heaving up his stomach's contents in the woods in the dead of night isn't an experience he really enjoyed. 

“Incase you were wondering,” The man started, Techno slid his eyes back over to him as he ate. “I put your horse in my stables. He had quite a spook when you just collapsed so I cleaned him off and got him situated.” He told him making Techno pause.

It was… more consideration than he was expecting. He thought the man had probably just tied Carl up outside and fed him, leaving the mess for when was able to deal with it. Or hell made even letting him wander off. He also had not expected for the man to give him updates on him. He was glad carl was alright. Techno just grunted. Hoping the appreciation he felt was evident enough.

They fell back into silence for a bit. The only sound being the scraping of Techno’s spoon on the bottom of his bowl. He reached for the water on his tray next, taking a small sip before chugging the thing, not realizing that even with the soup his body really needed water.

“Woah, slow down there! You're gonna choke” The man shouted, Techno huffed in a laugh slightly as he set the glass back down, wiping the excess water off his top lip, glass completely drained.

“Do you want me to get you another one?” He asked, waiting for an answer before he shook his head. Probably safer not to ask for anything that wasn't offered outright for now. The blond just hummed.

Techno set the tray next to him, near the box and sighed. He’ll be honest, he did feel a bit better after eating thankfully, though his side and knee still thrummed incessantly. Speaking of his side, the man eyes him cautiously.

“Do… you think we can change your bandages now?” He asked. Techno wanted to be annoyed at his persistence but couldn't bring himself to be. He looked the man up and down again, squinting…  He nodded slowly, watching as a smile lit up the blonds face. He stood and made his way over slowly, sitting on the bed a few feet from Techno.

Worst comes to worse, he could probably snap the avian's neck if he tried anything. It wouldn't be pleasant, seeing as the man seemed kind enough but he'd rather his own life than the others.

Techno couldn't help but tense even as he slid closer, handing over the box he had moved from the nightstand so the man could get out what he needed to to change the dressings.

“Do you mind taking off your shirt for me? I can help if you can't get it off.'' He asked. It was innocent enough though Techno still raised his brows, and waited. 

At least take me to dinner first . Techno thought to himself, though not expressing the joke out loud, ignoring the fact the man had technically just gotten him food.

The blond looked up from what he was doing, realizing what Techno was thinking.

“Not like that you dick!” The blond shouted making Techno huff again corners of his lips twitching up in a smirk, moving to take the borrowed shirt off.

“Glad to know you have a sense of humor on you at least..” he continued, rolling his eyes, watching to make sure he didn't need any help.

The bandages didn't look too dirty, the area of the wound only being dyed slightly pink from what Techno could only assume was an old health potion. The man gave him a warning before reaching forward as he started unwrapping Techno’s torso.

It was a tad uncomfortable, he had to admit, but the blonde's hands were gentle. Fingers feather lights as he drew away the dirtied bandages, setting them aside as he looked at the wound. From what Techno could see it was healing pretty well, it wasn't red or swollen as he was used to his stab wounds being and besides from a few bits of blood he assumed was caused from his sudden movements it wasn't bleeding at all.

“It looks much better.. healing pots will do that I guess. Could probably stand to leave the stitches in for a few more days but it should be ok to remove them after that as long as you don't go trying to open it again” he murmured, poking and prodding slightly at the stitches. 

To Techno's credit he only flinched slightly.

He hummed a bit in response, the blond nodded before starting to apply the clean bandages, pouring new healing potion onto the gauze and layering it on before wrapping him up. He made quick work of it, checking in to make sure it wasn't too tight. Honestly, it was much more pleasant than Techno was expecting, what with how gentle the man had been and how obviously skilled he was which Techno made sure to take note of. The blond cleaned up the old bandages, tucking them and folding them before sticking them back in the box to dispose of later.

Techno took the chance to examine him closer, seeing as they still sat less than a foot from each other, uncomfortable as that may be. 

It was hard to tell avians ages, seeing as they lived for who knows how many hundreds of years but his appearance belonged to someone in their late twenties or early thirties. Techno could spot faint smile lines, just beginning to crease permanently. His skin, though generally pale, was tanned faintly from what Techno assumed was working outside in the gardens he'd passed out in, all the appearance of a simple farmer. Though, looks could be deceiving. The stitching and bandaging was the easiest sign that leaned against the farmer's exterior. He wondered where he learned to do that, along with wondering how he was strong enough to lift a fully grown piglin into his home and upstairs. It was mildly intriguing to say the least.

“Oh shoot,” The man exclaimed, drawing Techno's attention back to him. “ I just realized I haven't even introduced myself yet. Hell of a host I am yea? I'm Philza, though everyone really just calls me Phil. You got a name?” He asks, looking up from where he finished arranging the box of medical supplies to Techno's face, eyebrows raised. Techno contemplated for a moment not telling him. He obviously hadn't seen his wanted posters or else he’d know to call him… well he’d know how people normally refer to him. Giving his name wouldn't be the worst thing in the world would it?

“Technoblade,” He said, voice gruff and hoarse from lack of use. Phil grinned at him, happy with his response- or more that he was giving a response at all.

“Well then it's nice to meet you Technoblade. Though I'm sure we both wish it was under better circumstances,” He hummed and Techno snorted a bit. Under any other circumstances they wouldn't have met at all but yea, not being stabbed would've been better. Though his stab wound is surprisingly, not his biggest problem anymore.

“I'm gonna head into town tomorrow to get a healer to come here, since I don't think you're in any condition to make the journey there. I don't exactly know how to heal a broken knee properly, it would be better to get a second opinion.” He tells him which makes Techno tense up again. Phil seemed to notice but didn't comment, instead continuing.

“I would've done it while you were asleep but was a little nervous leaving you alone and unconscious. I shouldn't be gone long either. Maybe an hour, hour and a half at most. That alright?” He asked, Techno just frowned, looking down at his leg and shifting it slightly, trying to gauge his range of motion. It was practically nonexistent, he winced again at the pain that radiated from it, suddenly flaring up from the motion. It would suck but-

“Don’t bother. Ill just leave.” Techno told him. He could manage a broken knee for a little while before he got back to… to where? Bad’s place probably. He always had spare rooms for whoever was waiting for their next job. Get Ponk to look at his knee when he got there. Phil looked at him like he had two heads. 

“Leave? Mate you couldn't walk right now without causing some serious damage, let alone ride a horse. I think you're gonna be stuck with me for a while until you're healed up,”  He rattled on. Techno knew he was probably right… but he really didn't want to stay. It was obvious Phil was nice enough. By that he means he didn't let him die or actively try to kill him. Hell he even helped him, housing, clothing and feeding him with no idea who he was. Techno was well aware his bar for kindness was on the floor at this point but he's pretty sure that's more than an average person would do for a complete stranger.

Techno just wanted to be out of his hair. To not owe anything else to him, whether or not he thought Phil would come to claim his debt, and to be on his way well before the other shoe dropped. Because it always did for him didn't it? There couldn't be kindness without something coming along to screw it up.

Still… Phil was probably right. He couldn't walk, even if he tried, and he definitely couldn't ride Carl all the way back to Bad’s, as if he even knew where Bad’s was at this point. Hesitantly he relented, frowning but nodding his head. Phil looked relieved at his agreement, wings ruffling behind him. Techno's not sure why he cares so much if he stays or goes really. 

“Well,” He says, carrying the box back to the seat he was sitting in earlier, giving Techno space as he slumped back in his chair Techno now notices was specifically made to accommodate wings. “If you're going to be here a while I suppose we should get to know each other a bit. If you're comfortable that is.” 

Techno was in fact not comfortable with that idea in the slightest. 

“Maybe ask each other some questions? I'm sure you want some answers to some things and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't more than a bit curious about you,” Phil explains, crossing his hands over his stomach as he reclines quite a bit, pushing the front feet off the ground. 

“What kind of questions…?” Techno couldn't help but ask. Phil shrugs slightly. It comes across as casual but Techno doesn't miss the evaluating stare in Phil's gaze. 

“Whatever you wanna know. We can take it in turns if you want. You ask something, I ask something.” He offers. 

It's a dangerous game. Techno isn't exactly the most… open of people, that isn't really a shock, and playing some silly question game with a stranger while he was in his home at practically at his mercy felt like chumming the water. Asking for some sort of trouble. It went against Techno's nature, both in his personal life and in his job to give away more information than absolutely necessary.. But he supposed that.. Well if he was giving an answer to get an answer about whoever his strange host was, maybe he could mitigate the risk of giving away too much information while still getting answers.

“And if there's a question I don't wanna to answer?” He asks, feeling like he might know the answer but needing to check. Phil smiles gently at him in a way that is far too soft and knowing for someone he just really met.

“Then you don't have to answer it, simple as that,” Phil told him. Techno thought it over for a moment, weighing the risks and how uncomfortable he'd be with being questioned with the possibility of answers and.. He nods. Phil’s smile widens at that, sitting back up a bit back to attention. Techno regrets his decision already.

“Alright then! You wanna go first or want me to go?” He questions and Techno shrugs. “You go.”

“Ok well now I actually have to think of a question..” Phil mumbles, mostly to himself. Techno huffs, amused.

“You came up with the idea and you didn't have a question prepared?” The piglin wondered. Phil looked up to him sheepishly, rubbing at the back of his neck.

“To be fair I didn't actually think you’d agree. You're a bit stand-offish” The blond reasoned and well.. He had a point. Techno had almost said no. 

“I can ask first if you can't think of anythin',” he offers but Phil is already raising his hands, brushing him off.

“No no no I got it I got it, What's your horse's name?” He asked and, well Techno hadn't been expecting that. He wasn't sure what he had been expecting, probably something invasive that Techno would have to give half truths to. He raised an eyebrow, but answered.

“Carl.”

“Carl? Really?” Phil asked, seeming to be as shocked by his answer as Techno was to his question. Techno glared slightly, crossing his arms to offer his chest, defensive.

“Yes. It's a perfectly good name for a horse.” Techno told him making Phil snort slightly.

“Oh yeah of course it is! Just not what I was expecting,” 

“What were you expectin'?” Techno challenged. Carl was his pride and joy outside of his work. He wouldn't put up with any slander in his dear friend's name.

“I don't know! I just figured a guy named Technoblade would have a bit of a more…” Phil cut himself off, making some sort of gesture with his hands that Techno could not for the life of him guess the meaning too, he squinted, jaw slightly slack jawed.

“ What does,” Techno tried to imitate the hand gesture. “ mean?” He asked and Phil shrugged harder, shoulders hugging his ears before falling back down.

“I don't know, it's just so.. Normal.” Phil tried and Techno couldn't help the small smile that pulled at the corner of his mouth.

“Are you saying I'm not normal Philza?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. The blond gave him a deadpan look. 

“You can not with full seriousness tell me you are normal in any way.” Phil tells him, his tone so flat and no nonsense that Techno can't help but chuckle at him.

“Man, really callin’ your guests weird when you know nothin’ about them. Kinda cringe there Phil. What kind of a host are you?” He teases against his better judgement.

It's just… nice he guesses. Sure he doesn't know what he's gonna do next and he doesn't trust Phil as far as he can throw him (which actually would probably be pretty far but ignore that) but somehow talking to Phil is.. easy. Like it comes naturally in a way Techno hasn't felt before. He's not sure why, maybe it's the way Phil looks back at him with an exaggerated scandalized expression, huffing and rolling his eyes.

“ Yea well I’ll stop calling you strange once you stop being strange.” He informs him. Fair enough Techno guesses. 

They continue on with their game after that, trading questions back and forth like they have done it for years. Techno is still hesitant, not quite letting his guard down, but its hard to see any kind of malice in Phil when he's explaining crop rotations on his farm, or telling Techno about the animals.

Techno learns quite a lot about the man over their game. He doesn't find out quite how old he is besides that it's ‘much older than I look, I can promise you that’. He finds out Phil lives alone. That his two sons, Tommy and Wilbur have both been gone for at least a few months now. Whenever he speaks about the two, he gets a sort of- well not quite sad, but definitely lonely look in his eyes. Techno almost feels bad for the man. Avians were notoriously family oriented, almost as much as Piglins, and while Techno had never really had a sounder of his own, he can see how Phil's children being gone leaves him. He's proud no doubt, but even the enormous (and he does mean enormous ) amount of gushing and gloating can't cover the quiet sadness. 

Even so Phil doesn't dwell on them too much. Much to Techno’s distaste he learns a bit about the piglin as well. It started out mostly surface level like his age or his favourite colour. Techno was sure that the questions were just Phil warming him up to the harder ones, but he seemed genuinely interested in whatever Techno had to say. It only started getting difficult when he asked Techno what he did for a living. 

Techno hesitated after Phil asked, debating on taking Phil up on the ‘ you don't have to answer anything you don't want to’ thing.. He wasn't sure how confident he was testing Phil's kindness right now, especially not now as he watched the sun slowly descend behind the tree line. If he was to be kicked out now, it would definitely be more difficult to ride at night.

But maybe it was better to get it over with. To rip on the bandage before he was too comfortable. 

Techno was more than aware that people had… mixed opinions on his profession. Some said it was unethical, that hunting someone down privately for money had to be some sort of illegal, and while yes, most Hunters guilds did walk the fine line between legal and not legal, the only thing keeping them out of trouble beings monstrous sized contracts and the distinct promise not to kill any of their targets, Techno had fallen to one side a long time ago. And it was noticeably not the legal side. 

Techno wasn't technically part of a Hunters guild which meant he held none of the same protections guild members would have. It also meant he was able to take the more… unsavoury clients. The ones who wanted people dead and gone, and were willing to pay more than a guilded hunter could make on 5 jobs. He had no moral qualms with killing as long as whoever he was killing was above the legal age. It also helped that most of the people he dealt with were asking him to find people just as bad as they were. 

But most of that didn't matter. He didn't have to explain the legality (or distinct lack thereof) of his work. He just had to hope Phil wasn't one of the people who looked down on guilded hunters as a whole. 

“I work as a hunter,” He told him, watching for Phil's reaction. Where Techno had been worried he'd see disgust or fear, Phil simply nodded along. 

“That's pretty cool! Tommy had a bit of a phase when he was younger where he obsessed over hunters, I swear the kid knew everything there was to know about the job” Techno… haven't quite been expecting that. Not that he could complain, but he was definitely significantly more curious about Phil's kid now.

“Is that what hes doin' now?” Techno asked, wondering.

“Ah no. He wanted to for a while but I think him being in that much danger everytime he was working would give me a heart attack and he took pity, '' Phil told him which a fold chuckle before continuing. "Instead he and his best friend Tubbo are apprenticing under a man named Sam Dude, leaning the ins and outs of redstone machinery and all that."

“...Sam Dude?”

“Yea last I checked. I even met him a few times before Tommy went with him. Seemed like a nice enough guy.” Techno couldn't help but short at that, making Phil look at him with an amused confusion. “Why? You know him or something?” He asked. Techno huffed a laugh before nodding.

“You can say that…If we're talkin' about the same Sam he used to work under one of the Hunters guilds I take jobs from so we've run into each other pretty frequently in the past.” Techno said, giving a bit more than he meant to but he didn't see the harm in linking himself to Sam. It probably helped, solidifying his ties to a guilded hunter even if he wasn't one. 

“So he managed to weasel himself into working under a hunter anyway is what your telling me,” Phil jokes but Techno could see a slight nervous set to his smile. Techno gave a of a half shrug.

“He retired from hunter work a while back I think.... Didn't expect him to be workin' with kids though. He didn't seem like the type'' Techno tried to reassure Phil though he wasn't sure why. His worry over his son wasn't Techno's business. What he said was true though. The Sam Techno had known was a bit of a loner type. He was friends with the guild members but took his work very seriously and kept to himself a lot. Well himself and Ponk he supposed. The two where nearly inseparable when he was back at the guild house.

“He seemed rather friendly when I met him, and it seems like the boys both really liked him. A bit of a natural with them really. Maybe its a different Sam? Not exactly a rare name” Phil suggests and Techno thinks that over. The Sam he had known was especially gifted with redstone and his last name was definitely Dude.. but there was really no way to prove it either way without the guy being here. 

“Maybe..” He murmured back. Phil hummed again at that, lost in thought for a moment before his head snapping back up, looking out the window next to him.

“Jeez I hadn't noticed how late it was getting,” he said, a little bit louder and more exaggerated than was necessary. Techno didn't call him on it.

“We should probably get to bed. I have to go to town tomorrow and you still have healing to do. Do you need anything else for the night?” Phil asked. Techno thought before shaking his head. Really all he needed was some time to himself to collect his thoughts. Reeling them back in from whatever the last few days has been.

“I'm good” He promised. Phil nodded, standing and stretching, his arms far above his head and his wings stretching as far as they could in the small room, which was admittedly not very far before smacking into the dresser or the mirror. He took the tray Techno's good had been on and placed the medicine basket on top, ready to carry it out of the room.

“I know you probably won't be able to walk, but the house is pretty small, so if you need anything just shout. Ok?” He asked, waiting for Techno to nod along before giving him another bright smile, shifting where the tray sat on his hip. 

“Good.. Alright then, Good night Techno” He offered. Techno hummed a quiet good night in response. Phil hesitated another moment, like he was debating saying something else… before he shook his head, bidding a final goodnight before turning and walking out of the room, the latch clicking shut behind him. 

Techno wasn't quite sure what to make of him… but he was sure that the next however long he was stuck here was going to be at the very least interesting.

Chapter Text

Philza planned on leaving early the next morning. The sun just started to rise over the horizon when he woke, pulling himself out of bed and getting dressed. He wore a lighter version of his normal green robes and bucket hat, knowing how annoying it was to fly in clothes that weren't meant to be flown in. 

He gets started with his day, making breakfast for himself and his injured guest, thinking over what he had to do as he did, planning it out in his head best he could as he worked. The trip into town should be fast, it only ever took him 20 minutes by air... The trip back however would be much slower, having to travel back with Puffy in tow. Would it be worth it just to go by horse so he didn't have to keep his speed down to match Puffy? It would add time to the trip but probably be less of a hassle…

He might also stop by Niki’s as well while he's there and saddle bags would be useful if he bought anything. Was Techno a fan of pastries? It probably couldn't hurt... Maybe even some new clothes, seeing as Wilbur’s were the closest fit but even they were too tight on the man… But that would be difficult without getting Techno’s measurements. Maybe he could just wait until he was in a bit better shape and take him to Eret’s personally to get sized properly. He wondered again what happened to cause Techno to leave in such a rush that he didn't have any extra clothes on him, having checked his saddlebags and anything else on him to try and find some that first day… He hadn't exactly asked what the accident was that left him so injured yesterday during their question game. For some reason he had a feeling it was a sore subject and he wanting to bring up bad memories while he was still trying to gain Technos trust.

He’d leave it be for now, maybe get an answer when he brought Puffy back with him. In the meantime, he stacked a couple dishes on a tray, some eggs, bread, a few glasses of water and bacon, though that was on a separate plate considering Phil wasn't sure what Techno’s stance on eating pig was… He didn't eat any sort of poultry so it was never good to assume… Minus eggs. Those didn’t count.

Phil picked up the tray, carrying it upstairs and towards the guest room and balancing it on his hip as he opened the door to find Techno awake and sitting up. He was staring out the window, though his head snapped to the door as it creaked. Jumpy as ever he guessed. Couldn't blame him really.

“Good Morning mate” Phil chirped, making his way over to the bedside table. He ignored how Techno tensed as he got closer, same as he had yesterday. 

“Mornin’” The piglin grumbled, voice scratchy. Phil placed the tray down on the table, wiping his hands on his pant legs as he did, wings shifting.

“I'm off to get the healer from the village, won't be gone long” Phil assured, making Techno huff. It's what Phil assumed was the closest he got to laughing, or as close as Phil had gotten him so far. 

“An hour, hour and a half. You told me yesterday.” He hummed, making Phil roll his eyes. 

“Yes well I wanted to make sure you knew in case you needed anything. Now or while I’ll be gone” Phil said, moving back away from the bed towards the door but making sure not to block it knowing that might make the piglin antsy. Techno nodded, pulling the tray onto his lap and looking it over, raising plates and glasses to his nose to sniff before he ate or drank anything. It was unnecessary but Phil presumed over cautiousness came with the territory of being a hunter. Either that or it was a Techno thing. He hasn't spent enough time around either to be sure.

“Im good” Techno assured, setting the plate of bacon on the nightstand instead of back on the tray. No Bacon then. Phil nodded, hovering almost towards the door, wanting to make sure he was positive. Sue him, he hadn't had to take care of someone in a while. Hell it had been months since he cooked breakfast for anyone other than himself. When Techno glanced up again, Phil excused himself, leaving back down the stairs and eating his own breakfast before heading outside. 

It was a very nice day thankfully, the sun just starting its trek across the sky, morning dew clinging to the grass. The air was still chilly from the night, nipping pleasantly at his nose and cheeks. He stretched out his wings as far as he could, revolving in the feeling. He got to stretch his wings pretty much whenever he wanted but the last few days, as in how long it’s been since he found a man bleeding out in the very carrot garden he was standing next to now, he’d been cooped up in the house. Not that it was the piglin's fault. More Phil’s own worrying honestly. It took more strength than he wanted to admit to not to take the unconscious man to his nest instead if the guest room. 

He was at the very least self aware in the fact it was because he was lonely… he missed his boys so he felt it necessary to dote on the first sorry sap that collapsed on his lawn… God he was going broody wasn't he? He chuckled to himself at the thought, practically able to hear Wilbur’s taunts about it. He’d never admit it even if to him and to his sons it would be painfully obvious. 

He shook his head, clearing the thoughts as he flapped his wings a few times before tucking them back in and heading over towards the horse stall. His horse Ian was munching on some hay as he walked over, Techno's horse Carl not too far away watching as he approached.

“Morning you two.” He said in greeting, walking in and giving Carl a bit of attention before going to Ian and patting his side. It didn't take him too long to lead him out of the stalls and saddle him up, muscle memory doing most of the work as he went over his plans yet again. Niki’s Puffy’s then home with Puffy to help Techno. A quick trip. When he was finally ready he swung himself up onto Ian’s back and began on his way to the Village.

When Phil had been deciding on where to build his house he had been very precise on the location. Not too close to the village he was at risk of spillover traffic, he wanted his place to be a calm spot for him and his sons to live and grow in but not too far that going into town to get something they needed wasn't an entire day affair. In the end, they were a bit closer than Phil had wanted but he didn't mind much. He got what he wanted, and it made trips like this even easier. 

It wasn't very long before the edge of the village came into sight, familiar streets and houses inching closer as he and Ian trotted along, soon walking down the cobbled roads. He took the route he always took to Niki’s bakery first, hopping off and tying Ian up outside before entering the store. It was still early in the morning so there weren't many customers, only him and two other men that looked to be around Wilbur's age, One is taller, dark skinned with round wire frame glasses, black curly hair and a nearly identical to him chubby faced baby sitting on one hip while the other is a boy around Phil's height, pasty pale with shaggy dirty blond hair and a round face. They seemed to be having a heated argument, Niki standing behind the counter watching them with a sort of bafflement. 

“-I’m pretty sure most people have a cart of some kind and all those wheels definitely add up. I mean-” The shorter one was trying to argue, the other wanting to cut in trying to talk over him but he stops him holding up both hands to stop him like he's trying to ward off the other mans argument. “No- No! Let me- Just think of how many families there are out there and like 75 percent have carts. Some have Multiple! Think about farmers! Imagine how many they must have!” The other man rolls his eyes, seeming exasperated, like they’ve had this conversation a million times before.

“Pete I think you're forgetting the fact that all those people also have to have a house a house with multiple doors and windows which count-”

“Windows do not count as doors!!” The first one, Pete, shouted. The baby on the other man's hip seemed unbothered by the conversation currently going on, apparently used to the shouting and wild gestures, instead focused on chewing on who Phil assumed to be his fathers sleeve. He looked over towards Phil, wide eyes locking on Phil and Phil couldn’t help but smile, remembering when his boys were that little. He gives a small wave before he looks back up to Niki who has finally noticed Phil's presence, a look of relief washing over her face. 

“What do you think?” The blond man asked, turning to Niki making her attention snap back to the two.

“What”

“Do you think there are more doors or wheels?” The other one explained, glancing at his kid and bouncing slightly to get him into a more comfortable position where he was sitting.

“I'm not..- Oh! Phil!” Niki called in mock surprise, acting like she just noticed him, turning everyone's attention to him. He gave a quiet chuckle, waving to the girl and walking closer to the counter, stopping a bit away from the two who were arguing. 

“Since you two haven't decided on your orders yet why don't you go check out the case over there while I help this customer and I’ll be with you shortly.” She said,  giving them her best customer service smile. The men didn’t seem to have much protest to this, walking over without argument, letting Phil approach the counter with a small smirk and a raised eyebrow.

“Long morning?” He said in a quiet tone. Niki ran both hands down her face with a quiet groan giving Phil a long suffering look. 

“I have not even been open 3 hours yet” She says, already seeming tired. Phil knew it was mostly an act. Niki loved her job and had the patients of a saint so it was most likely she was playing up her annoyance for the bit.

“But my favorite customer is here now so my days looking up. What can I get for you today?” She asks, letting her smile slip through.

“Favorite customer? I’m flattered” Phil says with a laugh glancing over the list of items on the menus behind her. He already knew almost everything she sold so it was more of a refresher for him. He had been coming to Niki’s bakery since it was her mothers bakery. Her and Wilbur having practically grown up together, thick as thieves. When she finally took over Phil was more than happy to up his monthly trips to the shop to near weekly. Partially to support Niki and her hard work and partially to buy things to bribe Tommy and Wilbur with to do their chores. They didn't really need incentives but they were always appreciated.

“I have someone new staying at my house so I'm not quite sure what he likes... any recommendations?” Niki’s eyebrows shoot up at the information, her already starting to walk around and pluck different things off racks and out of cases, throwing in a few things she knows Phil likes too.

“Someone new? Don’t tell me you adopted a new kid- Wilbur said you were going to go broody one of these days,” She asked, a teasing lilt to her voice and Phil rolled his eyes, huffing.

“Oh shush you, I'm not going broody!” He says despite having thought the same exact thing earlier that morning. “And no I didn’t adopt anyone, he’s a fully grown man” Phil chuckles and Niki raises an eyebrow at him.

“Like that would stop you” She snarks smacking Phil squawk and reaches over the counter to smack at her arm but she grins and ducks out of the way, going over to tie up the box she made up for him with twine before handing it over.

“I found him passed out in my carrot garden. He was in pretty rough shape so i patched him up but his legs broken pretty bad so I came to ask Puffy if she’d come back and take a look.” Phil explained making Niki furrow her brow.

“Strange… But i can actually help with that” She said, turning and ducking her head into the back area of the bakery where the kitchens were, calling out for Puffy. Not a minute later two people exit from the back room, one being Puffy, familiar split dyed white and brown hair pulled up out of her face, a white apron doing what it can to shield her clothes from the, frankly concerning amount of flour she’s covered in. Behind her walks Jack, a wide grin on his face as he spots Phil.

“Philza!! My man! How’s it goin’?” He asks, pulling Phil closer with a hand to give him a heavy pat on the back, Phil smiles back, returning the gesture. 

“I’ve been doing good mate. Nice seeing you.” He smiles, Niki places a hand on Jack’s shoulder, pulling him back before pointing at the two men and baby from before who seem to be still debating amongst themselves, a bit quieter now. 

“You mind helping those two out Jack while I help Phil?” Niki asks and Jack looks over.

“What? Oh yea no problem. Good seeing you Phil, talk next time?” He says, already walking over to the other customers.

“Next time.” Phil promises with a small wave, not being able to stop the small smile from creeping onto his face. Knowing Jack he’d probably end up joining them in their argument until either they finally ordered or got upset enough to leave without getting what they came for. 

“What did you guys need?” Puffy asks, drawing Phil’s attention back to her. She’s pulling off her apron, laying it on one of the back counters as she tries to dust the remaining flour off herself with minimal success.

“You’re medical expertise actually” Phil hums back, Puffy looks at him worried, eyes scanning over him, scrutinizing. Checking him for injury. He holds up a hand.

“Not for me. I have a visitor who broke his leg pretty bad and I didn’t think I could handle it myself so I wanted to come get your help rather than try fixing it myself” He explains and the worry in Puffy’s shoulders deflates.

“Oh thank god. Lets hope they're more cooperative than your stubborn ass.” She says with a laugh, walking around the counter towards him. Phil squawks in indignation, feathers ruffling behind him.

“Excuse you, I am perfectly cooperative!” Phil huffs with no real fire, an easy smile on his face. Puffy and Niki share a look before laughing, Phil can't help but laugh with them. It was true he maybe wasn't the most… agreeable patient.

“Right and that's why Wilbur had to nearly drag you into my clinic when you broke a wing falling off your roof.” Puffy says, completely unconvinced. 

“In my defence, I really did need to finish the roofing.” Phil says with a shrug and a grin. Puffy rolls her eyes, looking back to Niki.

“You gonna be ok without me for a little?” She asked and Niki waved her off. 

“We always are.” The other girl replied. They exchanged quick goodbyes, Phil waving to Jack before him and Puffy headed outside, the bell above the door jingling as it swung shut behind them. 

“Ill go grab my bag and my horse. Where do you want me to meet you?” She asked him and he thought for a minute if there was anything else he'd have to do in the town before they left. There wasn't anything he could think of… 

“We’ll have to head past the notice board before leaving anyways, so there work?” He asked and she nodded, curly hair bouncing as she did before they parted ways, Puffy heading back towards her clinic and her house that sits above it and her horse. Phil grabbed Ian’s reigns, walking towards the town's Notice board. It was never very full, not a lot happened considering it was a pretty sleepy place, part of the reason he picked it, but he liked to check it when he was there just in case. Maybe a notice for a festival or party someone planned he'd like to go to, or maybe a handyman job he could pick up for some extra coin. 

It seemed just about as empty as always when he got there, eyes scanning over a few advertisements. One or two requests for babysitting he considered for a moment before shaking his head. It might help the empty nest feeling… but he had a new guest who would be around for at least a little while and he didn't really want to be out of the house more than necessary in case Techno needed anything. He couldn't really get around by himself so it would be pretty shit to just leave him alone. It was the same reason he skipped the paper asking for someone to help fix a fence gate. He sighed, deciding not to bother with the other flyers, going to turn away before freezing when he saw a familiar face printed on one. 

The Blade

Wanted

Dead or Alive

Reward: 10,000 Gold

Phil sucked in a breath at the sight. Techno's dull, deadpan face staring back at him. Don't get him wrong, Phil was aware that Hunting, at least the kind that the guild hunters did, wasn't exactly legal by any means but 10,000 gold for one man? He was certain no one in the town would turn Techno in, most being not on great terms with the law themselves, himself and Puffy being prime examples, but he couldn't say the reward wouldn’t tempt most of them… 

Phil ripped the poster off the board, crumbling it up and shoving it into his pocket. Better to have it gone. It wasn't long after that that Puffy was trotting up behind him, already on her horses back and looking down to him. 

“Ready?” She asks and Phil nods, swinging himself up and into Ian’s saddle.

“Ready”