Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It is almost the morning by the time Technoblade reaches his usual limit, lowering his sword to signal to the boy opposite that he is finished with their display. Nexus, for all his faults, notices immediately and slams his sword down as hard as he can against Techno’s, before a flash-bomb is set off. He pretends to be disorientated for a moment, and by the time the smoke has settled, the vigilante is gone.

The bunch of teens that had been videoing the fight will be enough proof that Techno has been doing his job of trying to capture the wayward man.

Disappearing from the streets, he travels by shadows up to the rooftops, where the vigilante is waiting for him like usual.

‘Good fight,’ Nexus pants, trying to look like he isn’t in the least bit phased by the hour they just spent chasing each other around the city.

Techno remains impassive. ‘Your left side was open today.’

He reaches into his cloak for the sandwich he hastily wrapped before leaving for patrol, chucking it over the distance. The vigilante grins, snatching it from the air and sniffing at it like Techno might try and poison him. Even after all these months, and the hundreds of sandwiches that have been exchanged, Nexus always looks hesitant when it comes to food.

Techno turns his back when the kid rolls his mask up, looking out across the city instead.

‘Got injured earlier,’ the boy mumbles around a mouthful of egg and cress. Techno’s comms had told him that a bank robbery had occurred down in the lower district, which was probably the moment where Nexus took a hit.

‘Careless,’ Techno remarks, even if he scans the boy over the moment he can turn back. He’s favouring his right, a slight limp on his left foot. Blood stains his abdomen, but it looks to be more of a scratch than anything else.

Nexus flips him off. ‘Fuck you, Blade. You try clearing an entire bank by yourself.’

Ah, so he was correct about his assumption about the bank.

‘Been there, done that,’ he drawls in response, smirking to himself when the boy’s head snaps back to him. Under the mask, he suspects the kid is frowning. ‘Do you need a health-potion?’

It’s not like it would be easy to get the kid one, not without Phil finding out he’d taken one. Regardless, the kid’s been his issue ever since he was assigned to him at Christmas, and he’s not planning on letting him die.

‘I am simply too big of a man to need one,’ the kid snaps, jutting his chin out in a challenge that Techno ignores. They’ve already had their fight, there’s no need to push harder. If Techno had known the kid was that badly injured, he might not have stretched it out for as long as he had.

It was mostly for the media’s benefit. They saw him tracking down a vigilante, and the public were less likely to trust all the vagabonds that randomly appeared in this city. It didn’t matter that Nexus was ultimately the best vigilante this city had seen in a very long time.

‘I’ll remind you of that when you next get shot.’ As he usually does during these meetings, Techno takes in every detail he can. The suit has been hastily repaired from a tear last week, and the comms in Nexus’ ear is a jumbled piece of technology. His gloves are firmly in place, no piece of skin exposed to the daylight. Techno suspects that the kid is probably a hybrid of some sort, and that’s why his suit covers so much.

Hybrids aren’t necessarily rare, but it would narrow down the search for his human identity.

‘I don’t get shot that often,’ Nexus says conversationally, stretching out his arms and rocking onto his heels.

Since Techno first ran into the kid, he’s grown about an inch. He’s decided that Nexus can’t be much older than twenty, and even that might be pushing it. Quietly, and out of the records he keeps, he suspects the boy isn’t eighteen yet.

‘You’ve been shot twice since we met,’ Techno points out.

He has to admit, he hadn’t expected to become attached to a young vigilante. If he kept telling himself it had nothing to do with the boy reminding him of himself, then maybe he’d believe it.

Nexus, under his mask, is grinning. Techno can just tell. ‘That’s four times less than last year!’

As if that’s going to make it any better.

‘Scram,’ Techno says, and the boy laughs. It’s carefree, light and airy as he removes the grapple-hook from his side, saluting Techno before disappearing off the side of the building.

The Blade takes a moment to compose himself, before heading back towards the HQ.

**

As winter approaches, Techno can’t help but feel nervous over Nexus. The more they meet up, the more it becomes apparent that the kid isn’t putting any weight on, despite the fact that he gets a sandwich at least four times a week. He has to conclude that the boy is really struggling for money. In the list of priorities when it comes to winter, paying bills like heating and water will be low down compared to food.

The kid’s going to be cold.

‘It’s getting chilly, ain’t it? Need to wear another layer under my suit,’ Nexus chatters away, oblivious to the fact that Techno is studying him. There’s a distance between them, like usual, as they both perch on the edge of the building.

Today, Techno took a risk by bringing him two sandwiches. The fact that the kid has only eaten one, tells him that whoever is on the other end of the comms probably lives with him. Another kid, maybe a sibling, who is just as trapped as Nexus is.

He makes his decision right then and there. Techno became a hero mostly because his father was one, but also because he wanted to right the wrongs that had been done in this city.

Abandoned kids, for example, were pretty common. He should know, considering he grew up in a fighting-ring because they bought him from his parents.

‘Just get better circulation, nerd,’ Techno teases lightly, thrilled by the laughter that echoes out from his… friend. It’s a hesitant term for the alliance they have going on, but it works.

Crime rates in this section are at an all-time low. Techno got a raise just because the kid had been helping him clear out the streets.

‘Not all of us can be fucking pigs, man,’ Nexus snaps back.

‘Piglin,’ he corrects, not that the kid is going to stop calling him a pig.

They sit in silence for a moment, and then Techno decides to take a risk. ‘Any plans for Christmas?’

Asking about personal lives is a step over an invisible boundary. As it is, he’s awkward about asking it. He’s never been the best with social interaction, and asking a (probable) orphan what they’re doing for Christmas is out of his comfort zone.

Sure enough, Nexus goes tense. ‘Being fucking Santa Claus.’

Techno tries to remember how Phil coaxed him in, all those years ago. How did you gain trust with a flighty kid? ‘I wouldn’t let children anywhere near you,’ he responds calmly, trying to put the boy back at ease.

It works. Although Nexus doesn’t trust him, he knows him enough to relax slightly. ‘Are you shitting me? I’m great with kids.’

‘With the amount of cuss words you use, kid, I doubt that.’

‘Still not a kid, dick.’

Nexus leaves shortly after that. It gives Techno some time to consider the boy’s name, and wonder what its origin was. He suspects the kid has some sort of power; most people can do something. Nexus is a strange name to come up with out of the blue.

He takes the long route home, debating what he’s going to tell the Council tomorrow when he sees them.

**

‘You’re aware you could lose your position,’ Jschlatt says, staring at Techno in confusion.

Most of the heroes are staring at him in shock. They’ve been a team – some might call it a family – for as long as Techno has been Phil’s son, yet this is the first time he’s ever come under their scrutiny.

Phil’s staring at him from his seat, and Techno can feel the mix of parental anguish and disappointment coming from his father. Even his brother, sitting somewhere behind him, is watching like he’s not sure why Techno has done this.

‘I’m aware,’ Techno replies, monotonous as he stares down their leader.

Jschlatt pinches the bridge of his nose. ‘Then why risk it on a vigilante?’

Telling the Council that he had actively been ignoring the order to bring Nexus in had been his first objective. The second was to put forward a proposition.

‘I want to bring him in for Hero training.’

There’s a silence that descends over the room. The council, consisting of Jschlatt, Puffy and Phil, stare at him like he’s lost his mind.

‘Without clearance?’

‘He’d be my responsibility.’

‘You trust him?’

‘I trust his motives,’ Techno counters, ignoring the itching under his skin as the voices get louder in his head. ‘I trust that he won’t go rogue.’

Puffy interrupts the conversation, ‘And how are we to trust that?’

‘I’m asking you to trust my judgement,’ Techno counters, glancing over to his almost-aunt. ‘The kid would be better on our side.’

‘We have no knowledge of his genetics, or his power-status.’

Techno doesn’t reply to that. It’s an obvious fact to everyone in the room, to the entire Hero-squad that have assembled to see Techno get roasted for his mission failure.

Phil stays silent, considering his bias. It’s a good thing, because Techno might lose his nerve at his father’s disapproval.

Jschlatt hums. ‘Nexus has been good for the crime-rates in the city.’

Puffy’s head snaps over to him. ‘You’re considering it?’

He’s in charge for a reason. His power, the ability to twist probabilities in a fight, is highly valuable. They trust his judgement; Techno trusts his judgement. If the man says no, then he’ll accept that.

He’ll keep bringing Nexus sandwiches, though.

‘I want you to propose the offer of training to the vigilante. Three sessions a week under the guidance of one of us, and two patrols. I’ll allow him his freedom to continue his own patrols, and he’ll be paid for his time, but he’ll have to sign to the Hero Code.’

It’s more than Techno could have hoped for.

When he goes to speak, Jschlatt holds a hand up, ‘This is on your head, Technoblade. If the kid breaks the code, then you’re benched. Indefinitely. If the kid refuses to sign, you’ll bring him in.’

A double-edged sword, perfectly balanced to slice Nexus apart.

‘I wanted you cammed up for tonight. A live-feed back to here, so we can see what your vigilante is like.’

A betrayal of trust, and one that Nexus might not forgive, but he has to take a chance.

This better be worth the shouting match it’ll cause with Phil, Techno thinks.

**

He reaches the rooftop at their normal time, studying the city skyline for a moment before perching on the edge of the roof. The camera imbedded into his chest-plate is a constant reminder that he’s going to be betraying Nexus, but he doesn’t have a choice. Either he gets the kid into Hero training, or he brings him in.

It doesn’t take long for Nexus to arrive. The kid swoops up onto the building, grappling hook strapped to his side as he rolls to break the fall. When he straightens up, Techno scans him sharply.

His eyes linger on the bloodstain by the kid’s shoulder.

‘Evening, Blade,’ Nexus chirps, stepping to the ledge of the building to sit with him.

‘Nexus,’ Techno greets, nodding to his shoulder. ‘What happened?’

‘Stupid bitches down on eighth street trying to rob an old lady. An old lady! Who does that! Wrong’uns, absolute wrong’uns I tell you,’ Nexus tells him, hands moving as he tells his story.

‘Defender of old ladies,’ Techno mocks, forgetting momentarily about the camera.

Nexus flips him off. ‘Don’t be a bitch, Blade. You’ll be old one day, and I’ll make sure to beat you with your own walking stick.’

‘I’d like to see you try,’ Techno challenges, unable to resist the snipe at the kid. Unwillingly, shadows start to stalk out from the rooftop, before he pushes them back down.

Nexus notices, obviously. The kid’s highly observant, and stares at Techno’s brief lack of control before he makes grabby hands in the Hero’s direction.

‘Food?’

‘Here, kid.’ Techno throws the two sandwiches across the gap, and relaxes when the kid turns away to bite into the first one.

‘Chicken?’

‘Leftovers from my brother,’ Techno says randomly, unsure if he should be bringing this up with the entire Hero Squad listening in.

‘Ghost? I fucking hate that dude.’

Techno knows Nexus has an issue with Wilbur, although he hasn’t managed to figure out why.

‘Eat his chicken then, and know he’ll be a bitch in the morning when he finds out it’s gone.’

Nexus finishes the sandwich in three bites, before pocketing the second one. ‘Thanks.’

‘Don’t mention it.’

He’s got to bring it up. He has to, but he isn’t sure how.

‘You look constipated,’ Nexus remarks, and Techno sighs.

‘Kid…’

‘There’s a place down on the main street that sells these really helpful—’

‘Do you want to be a Hero?’

Nexus falls silent. His body curls up, tensing under the question, and Techno decides he has to continue. ‘I’ve got an offer for you. Three training sessions a week, two patrols. You’d be a Hero-in-training.’

‘What about my own patrols?’ the kid croaks out, fingers digging into his suit-covered thighs.

Techno wishes he could batt his hands away. ‘You can patrol on your own, but you’d have to sign the Hero Code. If you broke it, you’d be punished like any of us.’

Nexus pauses, before his head cocks to the side. ‘They found out you weren’t trying to bring me in?’

‘I told them,’ Techno admits, and seeing the boy’s confusion, he shrugs. ‘It’s a paid position. You’re providing for yourself, and probably whoever is on the end of your comms. It’s getting close to winter…’ and it’s cold.

The vigilante is on his feet in a heartbeat. ‘I don’t need your sympathy,’ he spits, fingers tensing as one hand drifts towards the sword at his side.

Techno rises up as well. ‘Your pride is blinding you from a good opportunity. Think about it, kid—’

‘I’m not a fucking kid. I can look after myself, and I don’t need some stupid-ass rich Hero throwing a pity-parade on a street rat.’

It’s the most Nexus has ever revealed, and potentially why Techno’s running his own mouth before he can think of the consequences of what he’s about to say. ‘I was a street rat.’

Nexus halts. ‘What?!’

Techno takes a breath. ‘I grew up in a fighting ring on the outskirts of Manberg. I was offered the same thing as you, a position to train under a Hero.’

The vigilante studies him like he’s trying to sniff out a lie. ‘What dumb-ass gets stuck in a fighting ring,’ Nexus huffs, but he’s relaxing again, so Techno doesn’t take offence. ‘Which Hero?’

‘The Angel.’

‘I’m guessing that’s your dad, then?’

He’s unwillingly given more away than he meant to, but he nods. If Jschlatt’s going to punish him for spilling all his secrets, then he can do it later.

‘What a weird family,’ Nexus mutters to himself, before looking back at him. ‘Which Hero do I have to study under?’

‘Whichever one you choose.’

‘You,’ Nexus says, instantly. ‘I’ll only sign if it’s you.’

Something warm blossoms in Techno’s stomach, but he refuses to admit it. ‘I’d be happy to train you, kid.’

Nexus hesitates, still lingering in a state between tense-anger and curiosity. ‘Do I have to tell you what I… what I can do?’

Techno’s reminded of the camera on his chest. ‘Only if you want to.’

The vigilante nervously shifts closer to the edge of the building, before he nods. ‘After I’ve signed. And… and I want a guarantee you’re not going to trap me in that stupid HQ. No funny business,’ he threatens, like his trust has been betrayed before.

It might have.

‘You’d be under my protection, you have my word,’ Techno promises, waiting to see what the boy will say.

Finally, after what seemed like an endless wait, the kid slumps. ‘I guess I’m going to have to trust that your word won’t fuck me over.’

Technoblade can’t help but smile under the mask, stretching out a hand in what he hopes is a peace-offering.

This’ll be his mentee. His to protect, and to make sure he thrives.

Nexus eyes up his hand warily, like it might be the last trap. ‘If we’re going to be working together, then I suppose you can call me Techno.’

‘Stupid name,’ Nexus says, the instinct to always have a snappy retort shining through. Regardless, he steps forward and places his gloved-hand in Techno’s.

‘Tommy.’

‘Nice to meet you, Tommy.’

The beginning of a partnership, Techno hopes.

Chapter Text

Tommy – or Theseus, as Technoblade calls him in private – takes a while to warm up to him.

Countless training sessions pass, and the kid becomes more and more relaxed in the Hero HQ. He walks amongst the others, mask firmly in place, and back-chats whoever stands in his way. Only with Technoblade does the brash attitude begin to fade into something that borders on a mutual respect, and everyone notices it.

Phil and Wilbur’s endless teasing of his new protégé does nothing to stifle the bond that forms between him and Nexus. The vigilante has hope, which Techno knew, but it’s different when he can see it in person. The boy flourishes with gentle praise, and something close to pride blossoms when the kid begins to put on weight.

After every patrol, Techno gets the kid a milkshake from the 24-hour convenience store on the corner of fourth street. The straw slips under the mask, but the kid loses the hood after the fourth week of their patrols, revealing a set of fluffy raccoon ears that Techno doesn’t dare comment on.

Around the other heroes, the hood goes back up. Techno does his best to pretend that he knows nothing about the kid’s hybrid status, but he catches sight of the claws that accompany the ears when Tommy removes his gloves one evening. They’re retractable, which is intriguing, but he doesn’t comment on it as they continue their routine.

Things change one night, after a relatively quiet patrol, when the kid breaks the silence.

‘I was wondering if I could ask for a favour.’

Theseus usually doesn’t ask for a lot. Actually, he doesn’t ask for anything of value. Sure, he tries to steal Techno’s sword occasionally, or the knives he keeps strapped close. Food is always free game, and his crown once found its way onto the boy’s head.

‘You can ask,’ Techno teases, but his eyes flit over the boy to scan his body-language. Tense, skittish, just as he was in the first couple of weeks of training.

‘Bitch,’ Tommy says in response, his go-to comeback. ‘I’ve found a better apartment, one district up from our current one.’

Techno’s not seen the apartment that Tommy lives in, but he can imagine what kind of place it would be.

‘Congratulations,’ Techno honestly replies, knowing that Tommy’s hero-pay would allow for this. It’s hardly a surprise that he wants to move, but Techno also knows that he isn’t just buying a place for himself.

Tommy fidgets with the milkshake in his hands. ‘I need… I need a guarantor.’

It isn’t much of a favour. Techno wouldn’t have even considered saying no, until he works out the obvious issue. ‘I’ll see your face.’

The vigilante takes a deep breath. ‘I know.’

Ah. They’re progressing into the trusting phase of the relationship. Techno studies the kid for a second, before shrugging. ‘Sure. Just text me the address and a time.’

He’s trying to not make it a big deal. Just as he tried not to make it a big deal when the vigilante walked right into the Hero HQ, to be faced with the unmasked group of heroes. If Tommy was surprised that they didn’t wear masks while inside the building, he didn’t show it. Although he did comment on the faint scar on Techno’s chin.

‘Thanks, Blade.’

‘Just Techno, kid.’

‘Sure, Blade.’

**

Tommy is… surprisingly recognisable without the mask. Blond hair shines in the sunlight, blue eyes falling on Techno as he strolls towards the apartment block. The district still isn’t as nice as Techno would like it to be for Tommy’s apartment, but he’ll settle. Well, he will once he’s seen the inside, and has checked that the kid has everything he needs.

Back to Tommy. He’s young, clearly under eighteen without any signs of facial hair growing in. Baby-fat still clings to his cheeks like a lifeline, features still being grown into. A scar runs over the bridge of his nose, strikingly apparent against the rest of his pale complexion.

The kid also has whiskers, but Techno refuses to admit it’s kind of adorable.

‘Theseus.’

‘Blade,’ Tommy greets, doing his best to look intimidating while Techno just crosses his arms and looks up at the building.

‘Ready?’

‘Not got anything to say?’ Tommy dares, challenging him to comment on something. Probably the whiskers, but Techno isn’t going to say anything about them. What an odd pair they must make, a piglin and a raccoon standing in the street.

‘You’re a child,’ he bluntly states, watching the boy’s eyebrows furrow.

‘I am not a child, dick—’

‘Neither is your roommate, or roommates, because otherwise you wouldn’t need my signature.’

A stalemate ends with the kid huffing. ‘I’m sixteen, but that’s practically an adult.’

‘Your roommate?’

‘Roommates,’ Tommy corrects, whiskers flicking indignantly, ‘They’re both seventeen, turning eighteen this year.’

Considering it’s almost Christmas, Technoblade concludes that the kid is turning seventeen next year.

‘Let’s go inside.’

Tommy greets the landlord with a bright smile, all polite charm and boyish youth. Technoblade ignores the conversation entirely and scans the apartment. A singular entrance, with a balcony overlooking the street. Two bedrooms, which he makes a note to ask about, and a fully furnished kitchen. A singular bathroom, a small dining area and a living room. It’s all on one floor, probably half the size of his own apartment.

A key-fob to enter the building, and a working elevator up to their floor.

‘And this must be your guarantor,’ the lady says, turning her attention to him.

Techno stares at her outstretched hand, then narrows his eyes on the paperwork. ‘Where do I sign?’

Tommy sniggers, nose scrunching up. ‘Ignore him, he’s anti-social.’

The lady flicks a look between them, before offering out paperwork. She checks his ID, before clearly recognising his name. After all, Technoblade Watson wasn’t a common name to have. He wonders if she’ll make the connection that Tommy is Nexus, but she seems scared enough to not mention it if she does.

‘Two bedrooms?’ Techno asks as they stroll out of the building, with Tommy on the hunt for chicken nuggets.

Child, the voices helpfully chant.

Tommy grins. ‘Tubbo and Ranboo want bunk-beds.’

Of course.

**

They barge into Techno’s apartment, blood lazily seeping out from between his fingers as they stumble to the kitchen. The door slams behind them, and Tommy wheezes out a gasp as Techno hoists him up and onto the kitchen side.

‘Suit off from the waist up,’ he orders, heading for the med-kit.

There’s no point taking him back to the Hero HQ, when the kid won’t let his guard down around the others. He’ll have to make do with the first-aid kit that Phil insists he has in his apartment.

When he turns back to the kid, Tommy’s mask has gone. His nose is bleeding, a bruise forming under his eye that looks nasty. He’s struggling with the zip of his suit, fingers trembling. A mix of adrenaline and blood loss, and shock, Techno concludes.

He places his hand over the kid’s tiny fingers, ignoring the flinch.

Getting stabbed is rarely fun. Techno knows from experience, which is why he’s keen on stitching the wound up quickly and fighting any infection that might want to try and take hold. The kid squirms out of the arms of his suit, and Techno momentarily falters.

He’s got scars. Techno’s not one to talk, considering he grew up fighting for his life, but the kid rivals him. A patchwork of marks over his chest, including a nasty mark around his throat that looks like a noose.

Dealing with the stab-wound takes priority. He used butterfly stitches, considering the wound isn’t too deep, then cleans and places gauze over the injury. It’ll scar, and join every other mark. He adds waterproof bandages over the top for good measure.

‘Straight down the hall, on the left is a guest room. Shower, and I’ll grab some of the clothes Wil leaves when he stays over.’

Tommy mumbles something incoherent, sliding off the counter and stumbling away.

It gives Techno a view of the whip marks across the kid’s back, but also a tail that appears to be pinned to his back.

He’ll deal with that in the morning.

For now, he cleans up the mess they made and grabs Tommy some of Wilbur’s clothes, before lingering on the mask Tommy left. A shoddy communicator is on the side, probably turned off considering he’s on a Hero patrol tonight.

Still, his roommates will be expecting him.

Tommy emerges from the shower with soaked hair, swamped in Wilbur’s clothes. The pants are rolled up at the ends, and the shirt hangs loosely off his shoulders. The tail that Techno saw is loose, flicking back and forth warily. The suit is balled up in his fists, before he stumbles forward. ‘M’gunna go, gotta—’

‘Get in the bed, kid. You’re not going home tonight.’

‘But T’bbo n’—’

‘I’ll call them,’ Techno says, snatching Tommy’s suit and fishing out the phone he’s seen the kid use.

Tommy hesitates, so Techno resorts to just picking the kid up, walking back into the guest room and placing him down.

‘Bitch, you f’cking dickhead,’ Tommy slurs, but rolls into the pillow anyway.

Techno snorts, ‘Yeah, Theseus. Good night.’

He leaves the door slightly open, before flicking through Tommy’s contacts until he finds one that he presumes is Tubbo. The name says Bitch Boy, which is probably the most endearing thing Tommy can call someone.

Tubbo picks up on the second ring. ‘Where the fuck are you, dickhead? I’ve been waiting—’

‘This is the Blade,’ Techno drawls, cutting in to the kid’s rambling.

‘The fuck are you on Tommy’s phone, boss man?’

‘The kid’s staying at mine for the night.’

A beat of silence. ‘Did he get hurt?’

‘He’ll be fine,’ Techno assures, not too keen on having to comfort another teenager. His one is enough.

Tubbo huffs. ‘Tell him to bring back croissants. And coffee. And if he dies, I’m kicking your ass.’

Definitely not adopting another teenager.

**

Techno has never been good at lying to his family. In all honesty, the lie that he’s currently been telling for the past three months is his biggest achievement. Something he’ll put in his job applications when he undoubtedly gets fired for not telling Jschlatt that the wayward vigilante is living in his apartment for four nights a week.

It started out of convenience, and then Techno got used to the kid following him home after patrol or training. So much so that he no longer lets Wilbur come over, and insists on going to stay with Phil or Wilbur as opposed to having them come to his apartment.

Even when he’s not in his flat, the kid might be. He’s got his own key, and comes and goes as he pleases. The fridge is always stocked, and Techno realises that he’s eating healthier now that the two of them cook together.

Tonight, a peaceful game of Monopoly is rapidly going downhill as Tubbo threatens to stab Tommy in the face.

‘You can’t charge extra for towels, Tommy, that’s not how the game works!’ the teen screeches, eyes burning with fury as Tommy holds out his hand for more notes.

Techno’s not even sure how the two feral gremlins got into his apartment, but they’re here, and Tommy seems happy about it so he isn’t going to complain.

‘You’re just a sore loser, Tubs,’ Tommy chirps, counting out his money before grinning over at Techno.

He has to admit, the kid’s got game.

‘I think it might be my turn,’ Ranboo cautiously says, but Tubbo snatches the dice before he can roll.

‘I’m going again because Tommy’s a bitch.’

He rolls a one, and lands on Tommy’s other hotel.

Techno raises both his arms in time to stop the pieces from hitting him in the face when the board is flipped. Tommy’s cackling loudly as Tubbo lunges over the table, while Ranboo’s tail nervously wraps around Techno’s wrist in what the hero presumes is a request for him to get involved.

Only, he doesn’t, because light bursts from Tommy’s hands.

The two teenagers stop bickering immediately, both of them staring right at Techno.

That… that just happened. Tommy made light. Golden light, straight out of his palms.

Clearly, he’d forgotten that Techno was here, because now he looks terrified.

‘Scram, kids,’ he threatens, and Ranboo heads to the door without hesitation. Tubbo lingers, then slowly walks to the door, miming his throat being cut before pointing to Techno.

Tommy stays on the floor, ears flat against his head and whiskers twitching. His tail is fluffed up, a warning that the kid is close to bolting, but Techno just gestures to his hands. ‘Want to explain that?’

‘I can make light.’

‘So eloquently put, nerd. What’s the limits?’

Tommy hesitates, before sitting up. ‘I don’t… I can melt things. People, objects. Sometimes I can, uh, shift gravity? Like I can start pulling things towards me, and then they get close and burst outwards.’

Like the centre of gravity. A nexus of energy.

‘You certainly didn’t come up with your name,’ Techno blurts, and Tommy chuckles quietly.

‘Ranboo did, the English-geek.’

‘You’re shaking, kid,’ Techno comments, staring as Tommy tries to fight the panic that must be consuming him.

Tommy glares. ‘You try showing your mentor your deadly-ass power.’

The hero pauses, before something clicks in the back of his mind.

Powers, like hybrid statuses, are relatively well broadcasted. People don’t mind powered individuals, because most can wear suppressors to deal with unwanted gifts. Very few gifts can’t be suppressed, but Techno’s is one. Phil’s gift is another. Jschlatt is the only other one on the Hero team that also can’t be stopped by a suppressor.

‘Suppressors?’ Techno asks, already knowing the answer.

The kid shakes his head.

Powerful baby, Chat chant in his head, and Techno ignores them.

‘Doesn’t change anything,’ Techno promises, before hesitantly stretching his arms, ‘C’mere, kid.’

**

He’s in a meeting with the Hero Council when his phone rings. It draws attention, and Jschlatt rolls his eyes. ‘Phones should be on silent, Technoblade.’

He doesn’t have the time to be embarrassed, because he glances down to see Tommy’s ID on the screen.

‘Important?’ Puffy asks, and Techno hesitates. He goes to hang up, only for Jschlatt to speak up.

‘You can take it, but quickly.’

He answers the phone. ‘Theseus?’

‘Tech, fuck, I… I need your help.’

Cold dread settles into his stomach. ‘Where are you? Do you need back-up?’

‘GPS s’on. M’gunna pass out.’

‘No, kid, stay on the phone. Keep talking to me, alright? Me and Wil are on our way to get you,’ Techno says, grabbing his brother by the shoulder and hauling him out of his chair.

Wilbur is quick to understand, listening to Jschlatt’s order to be cammed up immediately.

Techno is already out of the door, reaching for his mask and strapping it on. He doesn’t care about camming up, not when Wilbur’s got his on.

‘S’a guy trying to find me,’ Tommy weakly tells him, as Techno puts the phone on speaker and hands it to Wilbur.

He summons shadows to his hand, demanding a portal to the closest location to Tommy that he can remember. It takes a lot of energy to shadow-walk, but Techno doesn’t have a choice.

‘Hey, Nexus, it’s Ghost. Or Wilbur. I keep saying you should call me that, but you’re so stubborn—’

‘F’ck you, bitch,’ Tommy slurs, and Wilbur shudders as they step through the shadows.

It isn’t hard to find Tommy.

He’s slumped in the back of an alley, pressed against a dumpster with his mask discarded and his hands clamped over his stomach.

While Wilbur falters, clearly shocked by the kid’s face – or maybe the raccoon features – Techno does not. ‘Fucking hell, kid. Hey, I’m here,’ Techno promises, at his side in a heartbeat.

‘Blade,’ Tommy mumbles, leaning forward into his touch, ‘T’anks for coming.’

‘We’ll get you back home, alright? I’m going to have to lift you up,’ he explains, reaching to wrap a hand around the kid.

A bang echoes out down the alley, and Techno’s about to raise his hands to try and defend both the kid and his brother when Tommy’s hands burst into golden light.

He lets it wash over him, lets his shadows curl close as the kid burns whatever bullet was aimed for them. Considering he’s bleeding out, his aim isn’t great. Or, it might be, because the man that just tried to shoot them is screaming.

‘Lights out,’ Techno orders, and the light fades instantly, being swamped by the shadows that protect the kid.

‘Techno—’

‘Not now, Wil,’ Techno cuts in, scooping the kid up into his arms.

He can be concerned about Wilbur and the rest of the HQ later.

The walk back to his apartment is quick, and he kicks the door open with Wilbur’s help and shuffles into the apartment. It’s a mess, with takeaway containers from last night and Tommy’s blanket thrown over the couch.

‘Table,’ Wilbur calls, already swiping off the mess and allowing Techno to lay the kid down.

‘Med-kit’s under the sink,’ Techno calls, making light work of cutting the rest of the boy’s suit off of his torso.

Gunshot straight to the abdomen.

His communicator is buzzing, so Techno fishes out the kid’s phone and dials the number while Wilbur comes running back with the med-kit.

His eyes, and undoubtedly the eyes of the HQ, fall to the patchwork of marks on the kid’s torso.

Tubbo picks up instantly. ‘Tommy?’

‘Blade. Kid got shot.’

‘Fuck, do you need us?’

‘No. Just thought I’d let you know,’ Techno says, prepping a needle as he watches Tommy’s enhanced healing kick in.

‘It’s supposed to be our night with him.’

‘Tough shit, kid’s staying at mine for at least an entire week.’

He works quickly, stemming the blood-flow and fishing the bullet out. Tommy whimpers, half-way between consciousness and unconsciousness as his eyes flicker over to Wilbur. ‘Ghost?’

Wilbur looks unsure, but Techno doesn’t have time to reassure him.

‘I’ll fight you and your adoption techniques,’ Tubbo threatens, to which Tommy giggles.

‘Technodad,’ he mumbles sleepily, leaning into Techno’s body as he leans over him.

The stitches don’t take long, and ties off the thread before placing gauze over it. ‘Call me that again and I’ll set the shadows on you,’ he threatens, a painless threat considering they’re already in the kitchen, stalking to Tommy’s side.

Tommy giggles again, fingers golden as he reaches out to stroke one of them. ‘Most p’ple find me annoy’ng at first,’ Tommy slurs, flinching when Techno wipes a wet rag over his torso to get rid of most of the blood.

It uncovers more scars that the HQ will want to know about, but Techno won’t let them get their hands on his kid. ‘I still do, Theseus.’

‘Dickhead.’

‘Nerd.’

Tommy sighs, making grabby hands at him. ‘Take me to my room.’

Techno is helpless to the puppy-dog eyes. He scoops the kid up, carrying him down the corridor and to Tommy’s room, newly decorated and a mess already. Wilbur follows, lingering in the doorway as Techno lays the kid down and tucks him in.

‘Bedtime story,’ Tommy sleepily says, a joke that isn’t really funny considering Techno has spent one too many evenings reading to the vigilante before he goes to bed.

‘Sleep, kiddo. I’ll make pancakes in the morning.’

‘The best mentor,’ Tommy mumbles into his pillow, before the kid falls unconscious.

Techno turns to his brother, and to the eyes of the HQ, and does his best to look completely innocent.

Chapter Text

Technoblade has to admit that his kitchen probably wasn’t designed to house five heroes. He stays seated at the kitchen table, smelling of disinfectant with an undertone of blood, and avoids making eye contact with either his brother or father. Puffy hovers near the kettle, nursing a cup of tea between her hands as the silence stretches between them.

Jschlatt clears his throat. ‘Do you know the limit of his power?’

There’s technically nothing wrong with what Techno has done. Sure, he should have declared Tommy’s age, but there’s nothing in the Hero Code that says Tommy can’t be under eighteen. Especially when he’s patrolling with Techno.

‘We’ve not tested it,’ Techno says, with his own mug of chamomile warming his hands. It’s early morning, far too early for him to normally be up, but he’s currently being interrogated.

‘Details, Technoblade,’ Puffy sternly says, though there’s something soft under her harsh words.

He grimaces. ‘Thomas Simons, sixteen. Born April 9^th. Raccoon hybrid with two known powers, an increased healing capacity and an energy-based affinity. Creating light, shifting gravity.’

‘He appears to be living in your apartment,’ Jschlatt points out, staring at a mug on the side that says Early Retirement Needed. It was a gag gift from Tommy at Christmas.

‘Four nights a week. The rest he has with his roommates.’

Phil sighs. ‘Mate, why didn’t you tell us? You know we would’ve helped him out—’

‘Are we forgetting that he’s a child?’ Wilbur asks, only here because he helped find Tommy in the first place.

Techno glares at his brother. ‘He’s not a child, he’s my—’ he cuts himself off, halting when he realises exactly where that sentence is going to go.

From the look of shock on all four of their faces, he figures they know what he was about to say. Luckily, he’s saved from questions by soft feet padding down the corridor, and the arrival of his housemate.

Tommy’s dressed in one of his shirts, hanging loose around an old pair of sweats. His tail lazily flickers back and forth, puffing up slightly when he notices the others in the kitchen. Whiskers twitch anxiously, ears flattening back in distaste.

‘Theseus,’ Techno breathes out, out of his chair before he can comprehend the action. The boy huffs, but allows Techno to scan him over and prod at his side. ‘What the hell were you thinking? I told you to avoid the lower districts!’

Tommy snorts. ‘That’s where I used to live, Blade. I had it covered.’

‘You got stabbed!’

‘I’m fine, stop mothering me,’ Tommy says with a scowl, then tilts into the hand that Techno reaches out. It’s mostly to calm Tommy, he tells himself, even as his piglin-half purrs at the sight of Tommy relaxing into his touch. To make it even better, the boy chatters low in the back of his throat, and Techno can’t stop his own chuffing sound from responding.

‘Never thought I’d see Technoblade fond of a kid,’ Jschlatt drawls, still leaning against the kitchen side.

Tommy’s eyes are on him in a flash. ‘Who the fuck are you, dickhead?’

Techno remembers exactly why he’d refrained from letting Jschlatt and Tommy meet in person.

‘A feral child,’ Jschlatt muses, winding Tommy up.

Techno watches Tommy’s tail puff up further. ‘I’ll bite you, you fucking wrong’un. Bet you have absolutely zero wives.’

‘Tommy,’ Techno cuts in, before the boy can dig a deeper grave for the both of them, ‘This is Jschlatt. Leader of the Heroes.’

Tommy pauses, then smirks. ‘Even with a cool title, you still get no bitches.’

Jschlatt grins. ‘You even seen a girl before, kid? Little virgin raccoon.’

He grabs Tommy before the kid can even think about lunging.

‘I have so many wives, big man! All the wives!’

‘Theseus,’ Techno snaps, impatient, and the kid ignores him to continue wriggling.

He reaches for the back of the kid’s neck and pinches, keeping one arm looped around the kid’s waist for when he falls completely still.

‘Did… did you just scruff him?’ Puffy asks, incredulous, and Techno sighs.

‘Are you going to behave?’ he asks, staring into Tommy’s furious eyes.

The kid does his best to look docile, and Techno releases his hold.

‘I’ll bite you too,’ Tommy says, but he doesn’t actually mean it. He steals the seat that Techno had been sitting on, and glares over at Wilbur before snatching Techno’s drink.

‘So, Tommy,’ Puffy says, steering the conversation back on topic, ‘We’re happy that you called for help last night. Dream went out and apprehended the man that attacked you, so it’s been sorted. We—’ she gestures between herself, Jschlatt and Phil, ‘—would just like to ask a couple of questions, considering everything we’ve learned about you. Nothing bad, and you aren’t in trouble. You’re free to continue with your current… agreement with Technoblade.’

Tommy’s tail repeatedly bashes Techno in the leg.

‘Can your powers be restrained?’

The raccoon-hybrid flicks his gaze to Techno, who shrugs. ‘You can tell them.’

‘No,’ Tommy answers Puffy, who briefly looks surprised, before nodding.

‘Thank you. Would it be alright if we put some of your information on file? If you’re training to be a full-time hero, it would be beneficial.’

‘Fine.’

‘Do you have a next of kin?’

Tommy bristles. It’s obvious to everyone in the room. ‘My housemates are on my medical records. As is Blade.’

‘No family?’

We are his family chat chant, desperate to comfort the agitated kid. Techno refrains.

‘Did I stutter?’ Tommy snaps back, defensive.

Puffy’s smile softens even further, and Techno knows she’s smitten with the kid. Trust her to also want to adopt the feral raccoon.

‘Are there any skeletons in the closet, kid?’ Jschlatt asks, and seeing Tommy’s confusion, nods vaguely towards Tommy. ‘You’ve got a lot of scars for a street kid.’

Techno’s shirt doesn’t hide the noose-mark, or the beginning of the spiderweb lacing his torso. Only, Techno’s never exactly been brave enough to bring any of that up. The fact that Jschlatt does so easily makes him tense.

Tommy’s lips draw back, sharpened teeth on display. ‘I’m clumsy.’

Jschlatt stares at him for a very long time, before he sighs. ‘Fine. We can broach that another day.’

‘Can I interrogate him yet?’ Wilbur asks, leaning forward onto the table as he grins at Tommy.

‘Fuck off.’

‘C’mon, gremlin! If my brother’s so fond of you, then I want to see what all the hype is,’ Wilbur teases, but there’s a calculating look behind his dark eyes. Techno knows that he’s going to be endlessly mocked for accidentally picking up an orphan hybrid on the side of the road.

‘Why don’t you go back to dealing with your own issues?’

‘Like?’ Wilbur indulges.

‘A receding hairline, and awful taste in clothes—’

‘How dare you!’

‘Boys!’ Phil says, loud enough that both of them shut up and look over to him. His gaze then softens, and turns parental. ‘Hi, mate. I know we’ve met in suits, but I figured I’d introduce myself properly, as Techno’s dad. I’m Phil.’

His hand is offered out, and Tommy studies it for a moment, before taking it. ‘Tommy.’

Phil smiles. ‘You’re welcome on our floor at the HQ anytime, mate. Maybe Techno will bring you to the next family dinner?’ He adds a very pointed look in Techno’s direction, to which the piglin scowls.

Tommy hums, looking more unsure now, and his tail is back to lashing around. Techno figures it’s the word family that’s upset him, so he shuffles closer with the intention of reaching for the kid’s ears, when the door to his apartment flies open.

Tubbo’s eyes narrow on him. ‘You.’

‘Oh no,’ Tommy whispers, and Techno echoes the sentiment.

‘Tubbo, my good friend, long standing ally—’

‘I’m coming to you, Tommy.’

Tommy shuffles away from Techno, completely abandoning him. He sends the raccoon a look – betrayal – and smiles when the kid returns it – you’re on your own.

‘He’s mine at the weekends!’ Tubbo cries, as Ranboo nervously shuts the door to the apartment.

‘How did you even get in here?’ Techno says, before his eyes focus on the key in the kid’s hand.

‘I have a key.’

‘I… Only Tommy has a key.’

‘I stole it while he slept and copied it,’ Tubbo says smugly, and Tommy chatters again.

Nerves – sorry – anxious

Techno chuffs right back, safe – not angry – okay

‘And you’ve come here to…’

‘Fight you for Tommy,’ Tubbo declares, crossing his arms.

Techno grins. ‘Pretty sure I could take you, kid.’

‘Tommy, lights’ on,’ Tubbo calls, and Tommy’s hands start to glow.

Techno glances down, mild surprise on his face, before he studies the kid. When Tommy had hesitantly explained his powers, he admitted that Tubbo had been the one to help him control them. It’s no surprise that the kid responds well to his best friend.

‘Beat that,’ Tubbo chirps evilly, the spawn of the devil.

‘Eighty-twenty split,’ Techno tries, and Tubbo snorts.

‘I’ll take the eighty!’

‘Do I get a say in this?’ Tommy quietly asks, glancing between them.

‘Eighty to me, and I’ll let you have three sleepovers a month here.’

Tubbo considers this. ‘Eighty to you, and the three sleepovers, but I want you to teach me how to braid Tommy’s hair like you do.’

It’s his thing with Tommy, but Techno knows when to admit defeat. ‘Fine.’

‘Then I suppose I’ll allow your attempts at son-ifying Tommy.’

‘Is that even a word?’ Techno questions, not bothering to argue with the point the kid made.

Tommy’s cheeks flare dark red, hesitantly looking up to Techno while he waits for the rebuttal of the comment.

In truth, Techno’s not sure what the relationship is between him and Tommy. Brothers doesn’t seem accurate, but he doesn’t know if Tommy would even want a parental figure.

‘Is anyone else confused about the new kids, or are we all just rolling with it?’ Jschlatt asks, and Techno groans.

Tubbo’s evil smile turns to him. ‘I’ll break your kneecaps,’ he threatens, and Jschlatt looks to Techno like the hero has any idea of how to save him.

‘That’s on you,’ Techno says, stepping closer to Tommy and smiling when the raccoon-hybrid wraps his tail loosely around Techno’s wrist.

‘This is a nightmare,’ Puffy murmurs, mostly to herself as Tubbo begins threatening the leader of the Hero HQ.

‘Am I really balding?’ Wilbur desperately asks Phil, who tries his best to comfort his son.

Techno just scratches behind Tommy’s ear.