Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Technoblade was a very observant person. He noticed the way his father hugged his brother more than him. He noticed how for their birthday, Wilbur got the toy he wanted and Techno got an old shirt. The way the only time he got attention for free was if his mom was around, which was once every two years if he was lucky. He could see the way the other kids ignored him and stayed as far as he could, well they swarmed his twin like a god. How he was always forced to train a bit harder, told he was useless if he couldn’t fight. For Wilbur had beautiful brown hair and walked with the confidence of a thousand men, and Techno had pink hair he was forced to dye brown that went a tiny bit above his shoulders that was messy and unkempt. His brother had the voice of an angel, well Technos was mototone and gruff. Well his brother had amazing people skills and could talk to anyone, Techno didn't like to talk to anyone and when he did he ended up scaring them away.

At the age of 12, Technoblade had been thrown into war. Each family had to give one warrior, and his father had held onto his twin and pushed Techno into the soldier's arms. Well the soldier was in shock, Techno was not. He knew his brother was better than him and his family couldn’t risk losing him, he was their only chance at good fortune.

The training camp wasn't fun, and Techno was one of the youngest there. They would wake up at dawn to start cleaning. They were then forced to run laps. If you didn’t make it in time, you were beaten. After a few hours, they did a roll call. Once your name was called, you could go get food. You only had 10 minutes to eat before they put you back on the field. At this point you would be sorted into a group based on your scores. There was shooting, hiding, swordsman ship, horse riding, and if you were unlucky, stamina, better known as running. The work was difficult and often ended in death. The older men he shared the bunk with would tell him that it was more a prison than anything else.
“Only the strong survive, the weak are forgotten.” Oh how Techno wished he could be weak,
He had been there for 2 years when the enemy came. He remembers them calling themselves Las Nevadas . He was in shooting practice when a man came in, sword in hand.
“ Soldiers. Grab your stuff, the war has officially begun.”
Everyone started freaking out. Some prayed, others cried. All the younger ones wept and called for their parents, except for Techno, who silently grabbed his cross bow, sword, and some TNT and flint and steel just to be safe. He hadn’t wanted to go to war, but what he wanted didn’t matter. Wilbur had wanted to stay, so he stayed. Techno knew the world preferred his twin over him. For he was destined for greatness, and Techno was destined for nothing.

He marched into battle. If there was any way he could keep his family safe, he would. He would fight until he was dead, and beyond that. The general walked forward toward the enemy's general to talk. The enemy's general smiled darkly before lifting his hand. In a second, an arrow shot right threw Technos army general. Techno was the first to react, grabbing his own bow and shooting the other general. Well others started to run away or hide, he was running toward them. He used his sword as shield and to stab people near him, well he used the bow to shoot those farther away. He was panting as he ran faster into the battle. He was using his crossbow to shoot someone farther away when a man with a dagger came running at him. Techno quickly ducked and the man went flying over him. He took his own sword to knock him down and stab him in the eye. Blood gushed out and soaked him. He gagged but kept running. A woman with a sword was able to nick his eye. It hurt, but he could still fight, so he did. He took the butt of the crossbow and hit her head with it. She fell over and blood gushed out of her head. He kept going, knowing she was dead. He looked for anyone who might be on his side and saw a mountain. It had a bunch of rocks at the top. An idea formed. He looked back and saw a solidor running toward him. He picked up his sword but paused when he saw it was someone on his team. Better yet, it was one of the main soldiers, one that could call a retreat.
“ Kid, got any extra arrows?”
Techno nodded and gave him all but one. “ Listen, I need you to get all of our soldiers back to our base. I have a plan.”
The soldier nodded and ran off, probably already planning on calling a retreat. Techno took a deep breath and started his way to the mountain. He had to run through enemy lines and he ended up with an eye that was deftly going to become blind and his arm hurt like hell. Once he finally made it to the top, he wasted no time taking his TNT and placing it near the end of the mountain. He took his flint and steel and made the end of his arrow catch fire. He heard yelling and saw a bunch of people running toward him, trying to stop him. He winked and let go. The mountain became a grave as people screamed and others jumped, trying to get a faster death. Techno sat there, and welcomed death with open arms.

Techno was sure he would die, but he was shocked when he felt heat. He opened his good eye and had the air leave his lungs. He was still alive. Everything around him was orange or blue. He was close enough to the edge to be able to look down and see a bunch of rocks and a few ants doing what looked like celebrating. He tried standing but he realized his foot was under a rock. That's when the pain came. He cried out, screaming as loud as he could, which wasn’t very loud. His eyes started to drop and he quickly forced them open. A piece of ash fell in his mouth and he spit it out. He looked around for anything that could help him, like a branch, when he felt a hand touch his back. He flinched back because, one, he hated touch, and two, he was on a burning mountain and someone just touched him. But the flinching caused the pain to increase. He cried harder. The man, who looked to be a teenager, frowned and looked at the rock. He took it and lifted it half an inch, just enough to get him out. He army crawled forward. He glanced back at the man and felt his eyes start to fall again. This time, he couldn’t do anything to stop it. He fell to the ground hard. He didn’t think he would wake up this time.

Techno woke up. He looked around, expecting to be in his bunk. The second he realized he didn’t know where he was, he sat up, which he immediately regretted. He looked down and saw bandages covering his body. The memories started to come back. He remembered the TNT, the man, and the blood. So much blood.
“ You're alive?” A voice said. Techno turned and saw the man sitting there. He reached for his extra dagger, only to realize it wasn’t there. He looked down and saw nothing other than his clothes and a few bandages.
“ Looking for this.” He looked back up and saw the teen twisting his dagger.
His eyes narrowed. “ What do you want? Who are you?”
The teen tilted his head. “ Is that anyway to thank the guy who saved your life?” Techno blinked, but the stranger wasn’t done. “ Y’know kid, you're strong. Not many people would survive that.”
“ Thanks?”
The teen leaned forward. “ What’s your name, or should I continue to call you ‘kid’?”
Techno thought about it for half a second. “ Technoblade. My friends call me Techno.” He had no friends, he just wanted people to call him that. It was a lot better than Technoblade, like his father had always called him.
The man lifted an eyebrow, but seemed to know he was telling the truth. “ Ok. How old are you?”
“ 14.”
Finally, the man looked thrown off. “ 14? You really are a kid.” Techno made a sound that almost sounded like a laugh. “ So, kid, I have an offer for you.”
Techno raised an eyebrow. “ Do tell.”
“ When your leader was shot, you were the first to react. More than half of your soldiers ran away once they saw how you were outnumbered 10 to 1, but I don’t think you even noticed. You were busy killing their top warrior. Remember the man whose sword you threw into his eye, he was their best fighter. You took him down in two seconds flat. Together we can do anything.”
“ And why should I come with you?”
“ What do you have to lose?”
Techno would normally say his family, but he knew he couldn’t lie to this man, and he would be lying to himself as well. He knew Phil was probably hugging Wilbur telling him that he would be safe, never giving Techno a thought in his mind. He probably didn’t even realize Techno hadn’t come home yet. His mom probably didn’t have any clue he was even in the battle. The thought made Techno feel bitter, and he pushed it away, but it had already left its mark. He knew his answer, but he still had one question.
“ Why me?”
Now it was the man's turn to be confused. “ Like I said, you have great pote-”
“No. I mean why me? I know for a fact there were others in the camp who were better than me. So what made you choose me?”
The man went quiet for a moment, considering his words. “ Your eyes.”
Techno knew his red eyes were weird, but that explained nothing. The older man laughed slightly at his confusion and explained. “ Not the fact that they're red, that's cool. What I meant is what’s in there. That look in them. The last time I saw that look was in me, when I was abandoned. My family threw me away to die. That’s why I choose you, cause you really have nothing to lose.”
Techno didn’t like how much this stranger knew, but he couldn’t help but smile. “ What’s your name?”
The teen smiled. “ Sam, Sam Dude.”
Techno held out his still bandaged arm. “ I’m in.”
Sam smiled and took his arm, shaking it only slightly so as to not hurt the boy. He noticed that this man he had never met before cared about his well being more than his dad. Techno smiled brighter. He had a feeling he and Sam were going to be great friends.

Chapter Text

As many years passed, Techno and Sam grew in strength and size. They traveled around the world visiting villages and conquering empires. They were known as The blood god and The warden. No one knew what they looked like, for they both wore masks. Sam had a greenish gas mask that covered the lower part of his face. He had dyed his hair green over the last 9 years, and had a trident on him at all times. Techno had a pig mask. It was bone and covered the top part of his head, including his nose. On the snout part, he added tusks. He was never seen without his ax, which he called the Axe Of Peace. Over the years his hair grew. He stopped dyeing it and embraced his pink hair. When he wasn’t wearing his Blood God outfit, a cape and a crown, He would wear white silk shirts, tucked into brown casual leather pants. He would either have his hair in a tight ponytail or let it lay loose.

Techno was riding on his horse, Carl, with Sam not far behind. They were going to find a place to put their tents. He took a deep breath, the wind in his hair, which was down, blowing it out of his face. It had been 9 years since Sam found him on that mountain. Since that day, Sam had helped Techno become stronger physically and mentally. He had helped him move on from his family and the camp. He showed him that he deserved to live, that he was worth more than just one of two, that he wasn’t Technblade, the twin of the amazing Wilbur. He was Techno, The blood god, Friend brother of Sam Dude, and so much more than he was told. He and Sam had made an unspoken agreement not to go back to L’manburg. They never talked about it or the war. Techno didn’t even know if they ended up winning, and he didn’t want to know. He was happy to be away from that life.

Once they finally found a clearing, they started to work. Sam went to get wood for a fire, and hunt for food. Techno started to set up the tents and feed the horses. It was peaceful. He fed the horses first, giving them some hay and water. He also took off their saddles and cleaned them up using some of his water and some soap they bought a few weeks ago. Once he had done that, Sam came back and put down some wood. He walked away and sat down without a word. While neither of them were very talkative, they always at least said hello. Techno quickly brushed it off as tiredness, and got back to work.

Once both the tents were set up, Techno sat on a nearby log and closed his eyes. It was a lot more peaceful here then in the last village they were at. It was packed full and everywhere you looked was a new person. Techno always preferred these areas to villages. It was quiet and he would never have any fear of someone recognizing him, not as the blood god, or as Technoblade.

After a few hours, the duo were eating come cooked steak. Techno was enjoying the peace and quiet before Sam cleared his throat.

“ So, I found our next destination.”

Techno paused. The duo never chose Where they were going, unless something very important happened, or someone. Techno smile, these trips were normally the best.       “ Oh, what for?”

“ I want to visit my friend.” Sam smiled slightly, as if recalling a happy memory. “ I haven’t seen him in years and, well, I had a dream of him last night, and I realized how long it’s been.”

Techno smiled brighter. “ So where does he live?”

Sam frowned, looking guilty. “ Well, he lives in L’manburg.”

Techno froze. He waited for Sam to start laughing, telling him he was kidding.

Sam stared him dead in the eye, frown on his face.

As much as Techno wanted to scream at him, no, he knew Sam. Sam had Been the one to save him. He had been the one to free him. He had never asked for anything back. And he knew how much Techno hated that place, so it must be a big deal. Techno could see guilt, but hope in Sam's eyes. He really wanted this.

Sam sighed. “ I know you d-”

“ When do we go?” Techno cut him off.

Sam sat shocked for a minute before smiling so big it almost blinded the pinkette. “ Dawn. We can go in the morning, thank you, Tech. This means so much to me.”

Techno smiled back, despite the dred he was feeling. “ That’s what brothers are for.”

Sam smiled even more before standing up and heading to his tent. Techno put his plate with the half eaten steak on the log he was sitting on and went to his sleeping bag. He did have a tent for when it rained, but he always preferred to sleep outside. Sometimes people would ask him if it got tiring, moving around, never having a place to call home, but he would always say the same thing.

“ Why would I need a bed when I got a sleeping bag? Why would I need a fancy oven when I can have a fire? Why would I want a roof when it would block the stars?” When he was with Sam, the world was his home. No boundaries, no crazy humans, no phil. Techno grimaced, Well, not for long.

Techno looked up. He saw Corona Borealis. He remembers the story of Theseus, how he slayed the Minotaur. It reminded him of himself. How he was basically kicked out of his house, and how he was able to kill so many of their soldiers. He shivered at the last part. He was still terrified of the past. The way he murdered all of them, with a simple arrow. He shook his head, looking back at the stars.

Millions upon millions of thoughts filled his head. Some of how he was worried, some about how he didn’t want to go. But most were about how much he hated them. He hated the way they didn’t care about him. He hated the way they forced him to fight. But mostly, they hated how much he had loved them. How he would kill for them, how he DID kill for them. How, despite it all, he never doubted his father. Never. Techno closed his eyes, they don’t deserve to make him feel like this. They don’t deserve anything from him.

He didn’t get much sleep that night.

Chapter Text

The duo woke up and immediately started their travels. Sam packed the stuff, including the tent and bags, while Tech got the horses ready for the long trip. Techno changed into his red button up and his brown pants. He put his hair into a high pony and put on his favorite pair of boots. He always liked to dress formally, for a reason he didn’t even know. The trip itself would take a total of 3 days without sleep. During the twos rides, they would have races and talk about whatever was on their mind.

They always tried to stop two times a day. During these times, they would bath and feed the horses, as well as themselves . If they stumbled by a village, they would stop and get extra supplies. Every once and a while they would steal stuff, but they tried to buy it most of the time.

It had taken them six days to get there, due to some minor hiccups. When they entered the town, techno hesitated. It had taken 9 years before he was mentaly okay again after what this town had done to him, but one look at Sam had him riding into the village.

Sam finally started to explain what exactly they were there for.
“ His name is Ponk. He moved here a few years after the war. I haven’t seen him in years, so I’ve always wanted to visit, but I was worried you wouldn’t and I didn’t want to go alone so, yeah.”

“ Does he know we’re coming to visit?”

“ No, that's another reason it took so long. I thought he might hate me for leaving, and I don’t think I could live with that.”

Techno Frowned. “ You could have told me.”

He smiled sadly. “ I know Tech, but it’s hard.”

The pink head reached down to pet carl. “ Trust me when I say I know what you mean.”

Sam huffed and Techno smiled. Even if on the outside he looked mean and uncaring, he really loved Sam. He was The brother Techno never got.

Sam stopped by a olderlooking building. It wasn’t there last time if Techno remembered correctly, but I’d been 9 years so, who knows.

The older got off his horse, and Techno followed suit. After he was safely on the ground, Sam handed him the rains and told him to stay there. Techno paused for a minute, looking at the area Sam walked to. He was snapped out of his trance when Carl nudged his head into his neck. Techno smiled and petted his snout.

He was snuggling with his horse when a kid ran right into him. The child started to fall backwards, so Techno acted quickly and grabbed his hand and pulled him back up.

“ You ok Kid?” He asked. He smiled to himself slightly when he accidentally used the nickname Sam called him when he was younger.

The small kid looked up. “ Holy shit you're cool.”

Techno huffed and rolled his eyes. “ Sure. Where are your parents?”

The younger pointed off to the side. “ My brother is right over there.”

Techno looked and saw a man running toward them, dodging the horses and people walking. He had curly brown hair that didn’t make it to his ears and big red circle glasses. He was wearing a comfy, but informal, looking yellow sweater, and brown pants. Techno recognized him almost instantly. Yes, his eyes were dimer, and he sure was taller, but that was him. That was wilbur.

“ Tommy. Tommy holy shit how are you so fast.” He yelled, still 20 feet away.

“ You're just old.” The kid- Tommy?- yelled back.

Wilbur arrived winded, and looked at Techno, who stood there, frozen.

“ Sorry about my little brother. He can be a little shit.” Wilbur smiled, a fond look in his eye as he looked down at the younger. Techno knew he had to say something, but he couldn’t. His brain told him to talk, but his mouth felt like it had been glued. Luckily, Sam walked outside, a girl with pink hair a bit darker than Technos right behind him. Sam smiled at him before looking at the two strangers.

“ Hey, Who are your new friends?”

Techno opened his mouth to do something, but Tommy beat him to it. “ I’m Tommy And this is my brother Wilbur, or Wil as I like to call him.”

Techno dropped his shoulders at that. Wilbur had never let him call him Wil, or any nickname for that matter, so why did this kid get to?

Wilbur stuck out his hand. “ Pleasure to meet you, Mr…” It was dirty and there were calluses tracing his finger tips. Techno literally lived in the wild and was cleaner.

Sam took his hand and shook it. “ Sam. Sam Dude.”

“ Nice to meet you Sam.” He turned toward Techno. “ I’m sorry, I don’t think I caught your name.’

Techno stared at him for a moment. This was it. Either he lies and Wilbur moves on with his life, or he tells the truth, and he has to leave. No way Wilbur, his biological brother, would want him around.

He turned towards Sam. He couldn’t do this without Tech, he said it himself. The answer was easy when you put it that way.

“ My name is Alex.”

“ Nice to meet you Alex.” He turned back towards Sam. “ So are you two brothers or friends?”

Sam didn’t even hesitate. “ Brothers. We’re brothers.” He glanced towards Techno and smiled slyly. Techno stifled a laugh.

Brothers. Because Sam was his brother. Not Wilbur. Not Tommy. Sam. The one who saved him, who loved him, even when he messed up.

Tommy pulled on Wilburs arm. “ When is dad going to be back with the ice cream? I’m hungry.”

Wilbur rolled his eyes. “ Soon, Toms. Soon.”

Techno tensed up. If Phil was coming, would he recognize him? What if he took him back. What if he dyed his hair brown again, what if he made him train, what if-

“ Alex, we better get going. We don’t want to miss the, uh, thing.”

Techno nodded “ Yeah.” He turned toward Wilbur. “ It was, uh, nice to meet you?”

“ Likewise.” He said before grabbing Tommy and turning towards Techno. “ I have a feeling we were meant to run into each other.” And with that he left.

Sam turned toward Techno and opened his mouth to say something, but remembered the pink haired person behind him.

“ Techno, this is niki, she will be taking care of the horses for a while.”

Techno frowned. Sam, knowing what he was thinking, continued. “ You can still visit them.”

The younger let out a sigh of relief before turning back towards Niki. “ Thank you.”

She smiled. “ It’s no problem at all.” She grabbed the reins and turned around.

Techno grabbed Sam's wrist and started to walk away, only to realize he had no idea where he was going. He let go and motioned to Sam to lead. Sam looked like he wanted to say something, but chose not to. He led them past the older looking houses to newer looking ones. It was then Techno realized how much bigger it had gotten, and it seemed like the war had attracted new tourists.

They arrived at a smaller looking house. It was wooden and had a very well taken care of Lemon tree in the front lawn. Sam stopped and stared at the front door. 5 minutes passed of them just standing there, before Techno walked up and knocked on the door.

A man walked out and smiled. “ Hello, how can I help you?”

“ I’m looking for a ponk.”

The man's eyes crinkled. “ That would be me. Do I know you?”

“ No. But I think you know him.” He moved to the side to show Sam standing there.

Ponks eyes lit up as he ran forward and brought the man into a hug.

“ Sam.” He whispered, almost too quiet for Tech to hear. He smiled and closed the door, before walking up to the happy duo. They pulled apart when he got close.

“ Hi. I didn’t get your name?” He said, wiping his eyes.

Techno looked to Sam for confirmation. The man nodded before going back to the side hugging his friend.

“ Techno. I’m Sam's…brother.”

“ Nice to meet you.”

Sam ruffled the younger hair like he did when he was younger. “ I met Techno 9 years ago, saved him from the, I mean a war.”

Techno rolled his eyes and fixed his hair. “ Yeah yeah, whatever.” He grumbled.

Ponk laughed. “ Well, will you two be at the celebration dinner?”

Techno looked at Sam, who refused to make eye contact. “ What dinner?”

“ Well, today marks the 9th year anniversary of our first win against Las Nervadas. Everyone in the town will be there.”

Techno flinched. “ Everyone?” He turned towards Sam who looked away.

“ Yeah,” Ponk paused, brows furrowed, “ Is that a problem?”

Sam sighed. “ We need to tell you something.”

And they did. They told him about everything. From the war, to Phil, to the arrow. Even him being Alex. Ponks face fell after every new fact. It was hard for Techno to relay his past, but not as much as it used to be. He reached to grab some of his hair.

Not Technoblade, Techno. Brother of Sam Dude, a man with the world as his home.

“ Oh my god.” Ponk said, hand over his mouth. “ You don’t have to go to the dinner, I don’t eve-”

“ It’s good. I kinda want to go, see how much everything has changed.” He found himself meaning it. He wanted to learn about the new people, including his kinda brother who he didn’t know existed.

Sam looked at him with reconation. It was a look of pride and worry, covering every inch of his face. Techno smiled, and he smiled back. Just like brothers would.

“ Ok. It starts at 4:00, but the food is served at 5:45 or 6:00” He started walking back to his house, dragging Sam with him. “ Me and you have a lot to talk about.”

Sam smiled, before turning back to Techno. “ Go to 154 SMP street. There's a motel there, get us a room.” And he shut the door.

Techno stared at it for a bit before walking to the address he was given.

It took a while to find it. ( It’s been 9 years, give him a break.) Once he finally did, he greeted the owner, whose name tag read Puffy. She seemed to be a nice lady. He got his keys and went to his room. It was small, but not too small. There were two beds and a desk. The floors creaked when he stepped on it, as well as the bed. He set his and Sam's stuff down and went to check the bathroom. It was nice and came with a small bottle of shampoo. He touched his hair again. It was one of his favorite things about himself, The light pink made him look beautiful. He refused to cut it, only doing little trims to keep it clean. Sam used to joke about how it was his rebellious teenager coming out.

He remembered Phil forcing him on a chair and dying it brown for years. His smile dropped as he thought back.

“ Stop moving. You're making it harder on yourself.”

“ It hurts.”

“ Do you want to be known as a freak?”

“ No.”

“ Then stop moving. No normal human has pink hair.”

He shuttered and quickly shook his head. He walked towards the window and looked out. It was already around 3:30. He sighed and put on his more comfortable clothes, including a poet shirt and some black pants that one would call leggings. He put his hair into a tight braid and looked at himself. He didn’t look too bad. He smiled and grabbed, just to be safe, and hid it in his cowboy high boots. He stood at his door for a long time, before taking a deep breath and leaving.

Chapter Text

It took him way less time to find the town square. When he arrived, it was packed, even though he was early. Everywhere you looked, there was a cluster of people surrounding a fire, or stirring a pot full of what looked like rabbit soup. He looked at everyone he passed, trying to see if he recognized anyone, but he barely did. Some people looked vaguely familiar, but other than that, everyone was new. He guessed that after they won the war, people came here to stay safe.

He saw Sam and Ponk sitting around a fire with some others. As he walked up, He noticed they weren’t alone. As Ponk introduced him, he realized that these ‘strangers’, weren’t all strangers. The two he didn’t know. One of them was named Skeppy, he was obviously childish, but also funny. On the ground was Sapnap, who was playing with a stick in the fire. He was about the same age as Techno, maybe a little younger, but was a lot different. He was really funny and had this white bandana on his forehead. The last one was Bad Boy Halo, and Techno knew him very well. He was the youngers babysitter. A bitter feeling fell on him as he remembered some of the only good memories from his childhood.

Bad was hired to make sure Techno followed his schedule. The only reason Tech even got the chance to meet this amazing human was because Phil got tired of watching him, even told him multiple times.

“ Technoblade, you really are a bother.”

“ Technoblade, if you weren’t born, then maybe I would have more time with my actual son.”

“ You were the only bad choice we made, Technoblade.”

So obviously, he found someone else to do the daunting task of watching a child, who mostly never talked and was very polite. In came Bad. At first Techno disliked the man. He wasn’t used to people being nice. His whole life, it was work harder, do this right, don’t let them down. Now, he was being asked what he wanted to do, asked if he was ok, and was even getting smiles. Techno like Bad after a while, and they became quite close.

But it ended as all good things do. One day, one of the very few where Techno would let Bad break the rules, Phil came home early. At the time, Techno was probably supposed to be training, but instead, he was on the ground, playing a game with Bad. Phil had yelled non-stop for an hour at both of them until he fired Bad on the spot. Techno didn’t have a moment alone after that, always being watched.

His room had been moved closer to his parents, so now he didn’t share it with his brother. Instead, he was stuffed in a room that was a closet, it was barely big enough for a bed, and a few clothes, but other than that, there were no windows, so the only light he had was by a few candles. The room was too low for him to stand without worrying about bumping his head. And worst of all, he spent most of his time there. Since his father didn’t trust him alone anymore, after training, he would be stuffed in there, left with his candles and too small bed.

So seeing Bad again, when he was no longer a 17 year old teen, was weird. He had forgotten how tall the man was. And how nice. Right away, he welcomed Techno, or Alex, in. Bad obviously didn’t recognize him, but was sweet and so very nice it almost hurt.

He took a seat next to Sam and was sitting quietly while the others talked around him, until a small kid plopped down in the seat next to him, while a taller one sat next to him..

“ Hi!” The smaller said enthusiastically.

“Hi?” Techno replied cautiously. The boy was very energetic.

“ Why are you so fit?” The small child next to him asked.

“ Um-”

“ Where did all your scars come from?”

“ I-”

“What’s your-”

“Tubbo slow down.” Ponk said, turning towards Techno. “ Sorry about him. This is Tubbo, and the tall one is Ranboo. They’re kinda the kids of the town.”

Techno nodded. He felt his hands crawl up to play with his braid.

“ I like the color.” Ranboo said. It was different from Tubbo. He was calm and fidgety.

“ Thank you.”

“ What do you dye it with?”

“ It’s natural.” Ranboos mouth fell open, and Techno braced for the insults and disgusted looks.

Instead, he saw a smile?

Tubbo bounced in his seat. “That's so cool. Is it a family thing or…?”

Techno found himself smiling slightly. “ No, it's just me. My dad didn’t really like it all that much.”

Tubbo frowned. “ Well I think your dad is a piece of-” He was cut off by a blonde blur. Techno flinched at how close Tubbo landed by the fire, but no one else seemed to notice. “ What the hell Tommy?” The kid yelled, but there was a small smile on his face.

The blonde in question smiled as well. “ Nice to see you too.” He looked up at Techno, and his grin grew, showing a pair of braces. “ Oh, it’s you Mr. Muscle guy.”

Ranboo raised an eyebrow. “ You two know each other?”

“ We ran into each other earlier.” Techno explained.

“ More like Tommy ran into them.” A voice came from behind. They all turned to look at Wilbur who was walking forward, wearing the same disgusting mustard colored sweater. Behind him stood two very familiar people. A man, wearing a green looking robe, with long blonde hair in a messy ponytail, hidden slightly by a bucket hat. Next to him stood a beautiful woman, with a long dress, way too fancy for an outside dinner.

They walked slowly, as if any faster would somehow ruin something. Techno tensed up as his parents walked towards them. They looked the exact same, but still so different. Phil had new wrinkles, from stress or age, Techno didn’t know. As for Kristen, her smile showed kindness, but her eyes were sad. They were almost empty, like a piece was missing.

When they arrived, Techno realized that Both the boys had moved somewhere else and WIlbur was sitting near Sapnap. Phil went around, looking at everyone and saying hello, until his eyes landed on Techno. He squinted for a minute, as if trying to place him, before giving up and sticking out his hand.

“ Hello. I’m Phil, and this is my wife, Kristen. Are you guys new?” Before Techno could run or cry, or kill, Sam held out his own hand.

“ Hi. We were just visiting Ponk. Him and I grew up together, and this is the first time in years we’ve seen each other.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Tubbo whisper something before making lovey dovey eyes and copying what he said.

Phil put an arm around Kristen, who then shrugged it off. “ That’s so sweet. Can I have your names?”

Sam forced a smile. “ Yes. My name is Sam Dude and this is my brother, Alex.”

“ Pleasure to meet you Sam and Alex.”

“ Likewise.” Techno muttered. Phil laughed awkwardly, before leaving to go sit by Wilbur. Techno noticed Bad glaring at him the entire time. With Phil taking that seat, only one was left.

“ May I?” Kristen smiled as she gestured to the seat next to him. He nodded, reluctantly, and she sat down. His hands, again, went to play with his hair, fidgeting and messing with his braid.

“ It’s beautiful.” She said, turning towards him. “ Your hair. Many people in my family don’t know how to braid.”

Techno smiled, almost forgetting who he was talking to. “ My mother taught me.”

Kristen smiled. “ That's nice.” And then they were quiet. She turned towards Tommy and the kids, listening in on their conversation, making sure they didn’t plan on killing anyone. Techno took this as a sign they were done, and was about to turn to Sam, before she continued. “ I used to braid my son's hair.”

Techno froze. He knew Wil hated anyone touching his hair, but Tommy’s hair was way too short to braid. Does that mean…

Well, only one way to find out. “ Which one?”

Kristens eyes got a little light back. Barley anything, but it was there. “ His name was Technoblade. He was Wilburs twin.”

Technos heart was beating so loud he felt everyone around could hear it. “ Where is he now?”

Her face darkened and that small light disappeared. “ He died. Phil had put him in the war and he died. He was 14, I think, when he died.”

“ I’m so sorry.” He said, and she said it’s ok. They were quiet for a minute, watching as Tommy talked to his friends.

“ Isn’t it strange?” Kristen said out of nowhere. Techno turned to face her, to ask her what she meant, but she was already looking at him, a soft smile etched on her lips. “ Technoblade never met Tommy. He was born a bit after my last visit with them, and when I got back, it was already too late.”

“ Does Tommy know he exists?” Techno asked. He didn’t know why, but he felt the need to know more about his bro- Tommy.

“ Sorta. He knows the name Technoblade, everyone in this town does, but he doesn’t know they’re related.”

“ Everyone knows the name? Why?”

She looked back to the younger one. “ I’m sure you heard about the rockslide. He was the one that set it off. He was the beginning of our victory. He’s a hero here. The general who called the retreat gave all credit to him.”

The general. Techno remembered him. Dream, he thought his name was. But he should take a little credit, he trusted a 14 year old boy who looked dead on there feet, and did as he said.

“ They never found a body, so for years, I had hoped he would come back, but he didn’t. Phil finally convinced me to let go and move on.”

Techno forced a smile, even though he felt like crying. “ That’s really brave of you. It’s never easy to move on.” Techno knew that all too well.

Kristen moved her gaze back to him, looking straight into his eyes. “ You remind me of him.”

Techno forced another smile, but even he could tell his eyes were full of worry. “ Yeah?”

Kristen stared at him for another minute before turning to look somewhere else and responding. “ Yeah. You have his eyes.”

Techno simply nodded. Lucky for him,he didn’t need to answer, because a man started to walk towards the group, eyes strictly on Techno.

Chapter Text

“ Hello.” Is all the man said, confidence flowed through his body. “ You seem familiar, have we met?”

Techno tried to act calm, and smiled. “ I don’t know. What’s your name?”

The man was still frowning. “ Dream. What's yours?”

Dreams' eyes were staring daggers into Techno’s, daring him to lie. Techno took a deep breath, hid his fear, and looked back at Dream…

The soldier who called the retreat.

“ My name is Alex. I don’t think we’ve met, unless you travel?” He tried making his voice sweet, but fear still traced his words, dripping off them like honey, sticky and obvious.

Dream stared, glaring, for at least a minute, before finally responding. “ No. I’ve never left here. This is my home, one would have to be a foul to leave somewhere like this. Don’t you agree, Alex?”

Dream knew something, but what exactly, Techno didn’t know. He smiled. “ No. I mean, many people have reasons to leave their home. I mean, some people go to friends, and others like to travel, like us. But, y’know, bad families or environments can also affect one's love for a place.”

Dreams gaze relaxed. “Yeah I guess you're right. Anyway,” He turned toward the group, who for the most part, seemed unaware of the tension between the two. “ Dinners ready, they said you guys can go eat now.”

Everyone sat up and started walking away, except for Techno, Dream, and Sam. The oldest brother glazed worriedly at Techno, who just smiled at the man, asking him to grab at three of them bowls. Sam agreed, but that didn’t stop him from glaring at the old general before leaving.

Dream stared at Techno as he walked to sit by him. “ So, Alex? Why’d you choose that name?”

Techno cringed. It made sense, this was the last guy to see him. He had seen the scars, the blood, their eyes, everything. And since Techno apparently saved everyone, his face would not easily be forgotten. “ Dunno, first one that came to mind, I guess.”

Dream hummed his response. “ So why are you keeping yourself hidden, don’t like the attention?”

“ LIke I said, not everyone wants to stay in the place they called home for different reasons, mine just happened to be a family one.”

Dream nodded. “ Well, I guess your secret’s safe with me, unless I get bored and want to cause some drama.”

Techno couldn’t help but laugh at that. They were quiet for a moment, waiting for anything to happen. Suddenly, Dream turned back towards the younger. “ Y’know, I’ve always wanted to meet you again, Technobla-”

“ Techno. My name is Techno.”

“ Right, Techno. I wanted to say thank you. You saved us all.”

“ I-um” He didn’t know what to say. “ You’re welcome? I dunno, it could have been anyone.”

Dream snorted. “ Did you see the same army I did? Half of them couldn’t lift their sword. The others were old men who would spread rumors.”

Techno smiled. “ I guess. I dunno, I was young, and if I’m honest, I don’t remember most of it.” That was a lie, he remembered blood, and fire. Screams echoing off every dead body. He could barely see out of his left eye because of it. The fire crackled around them, bringing light to the dark night. Neither of the men talked for a second. He wondered what Dream was thinking. He just met a person who he hadn't seen in years, who was dead a minute ago, and who also apparently saved the entire army from a defeat.

Dream looked at the fire, opening his mouth to say something, but being cut off by Tubbo rushing in, holding two bowls, and ran to his spot on the log. The other boys were close behind, followed by literally everyone. How did that happen?

Dream glanced at the group of people coming towards them, before standing up. “ I’ll see you soon, Alex.” Then he walked away, as Sam arrived next to Techno.

Sitting down he handed Techno his bowl. “ What was that all about?” He muttered, barely moving his lips.

Techno glanced over at him. “ Later.” Sam hesitated but nodded. Kristen took her seat next to Techno and smiled at him, before beginning to eat. Techno looked down at his own bowl, before trying a sip. It tasted amazing, not as good as Sam's cooking, but really good.

For another 30 minutes, the group ate, the conversation changing every few minutes at the blink of an eye, until Phil slapped his knees and stood up. “ Well, I think it’s time for us to head home.”

Techno noticed Kristen avoiding his eyes, and ignored Phils hand as he offered to help her up. He wondered what happened to them. While Phil was a cruel and heartless jerk, there were two things he loved that truly loved him back. His son, and his wife. He remembers nights, trapped in his room, listening to Phil write to his love, reading to Wil the words on the paper. He could hear the smile tracing Phils lips from his “room”. Nights out late training, while Phil listened to Wil play his guitar. Notes messy from inexperience. Phil clapped and cheered him on, smiling the whole time, as blood fell from Technos temple, sweat coating his eyes, making it hard for him to see.

He really disliked thinking about those times.

As the family walked away, Sam stood up as well. “ We should probably get going as well.”

Techno nodded, before standing as well. “ It was nice to meet you.” He said, shaking everyone's hand, saying a second longer than needed on Bad. The man smiled, oblivious to the need Techno felt to thank him.

Everyone is oblivious nowadays.

The walk to their hotel was quiet, Sam and Techno walking side by side, neither talking, just enjoying each other's presence. Sam had respected his brother's boundaries for the most part, not questioning him about Dream, but it was obvious he wasn’t gonna let it go.

In the room, Sam stared at Techno expecting a response. Techno sighed. “ He recognized me.”

Sam winced, sitting down with a heavy sigh. “ Shit. What did he say?”

“ He was surprisingly cool about it. He even thanked me for…” He didn’t have to finish, they both knew what he ment.

“ So, are we safe?” Sam asked, his voice lifting a bit at the end, hope evident in his face. Techno couldn’t help but smile and he nodded. Sam smiled, before hugging Techno. It was weird. As big as a person Techno was, Sam still wrapped his entire body in warmth, making a fuzzy feeling prick his skin. A small smile rested on both of their faces, as they stayed there, in a calm that has no equal.

Techno had a great sleep that night…

Kristen, however, did not.

Chapter Text

Kristen knew she should have been around more for her kids, but she couldn’t . She loved to travel. Nothing excited her more than seeing new places, trying different food, the people she’d meet. The wind in her hair as she rode from place to place brought her chills. Her friend, Clara, came with her some of the time, but Kristen liked to travel alone.

Maybe if she didn’t, her son would still be here.

She remembers the last time she saw her son. Kristen had come back from a year long visit, one of her shorter ones. She walked through the door and was immediately tackled by Wil, who screamed ‘mom’ at the top of his lungs. Kristen laughed, before hugging her son back, kissing the top of his head. She looked up to see the back door open, and a grumpy looking Phil came inside, muttering about someone being incompetent. His face immediately brightened when he saw her, and walked toward Kristen. She pulled Wil off her, and walked inside, meeting her husband half way through.

Phil smirked, before pulling her into a kiss. Kristen melted. However much she loved her travels, this was her favorite thing. Phil.

When the kiss had ended. He looked at her beautiful eyes. “ Hey.”

She smiled, in love with the man in front of her. “Hey.”

They heard a gagging noise behind them, and turned around to find Wilbur putting his finger near his mouth and sticking his tongue out. “ Eww.” He quickly had a change of demeanor, as he jumped forward, grabbing Kristens hand and started to drag her forward. “ Come on. I want to show you what I’ve done with my room.”

Kristen laughed. “ Hold on buddy. I want to say hi to your brother first.” She looked up and Phil. “ Where is Technoblade anyway?”

Phils eyes widened momentarily, before he answered. “ He’s outside, working. We don’t want to bother him, you two can talk later.”

Kristen found it a bit odd, but thought nothing of it, and allowed Wilbur to bring her upstairs. As she was walking up the stairs, she heard the door close, and believed it was Phil finishing whatever project he was working on outside.

Wilbur slammed his door open and through his arms out wide. “ Ta-da!” His voice was filled with excitement. Kristen smiled as she looked around the room. The bed Wilbur slept on had been moved to the middle of the room, with two small drawers made of wood on either side. Under the bed were piles of clothes sticking out, as if he threw them under there to hide them. In the corner of the room was a guitar and stacks on stacks of music sheets on an old stand. It reminded her a lot of her son, but only one of them.

“ Did you and Technoblade redecorate together?” Kristen asked, searching for any sign of the other twin.

Wil paused for a moment looking confused. “ We don’t share a room anymore.”

Kristen smiled to herself. She had mentioned to Phil that the boys were growing, and that they should have different rooms. Being 10 and sharing with your brother must suck. “ Oh, can you show me his new room?”

Wilbur smiled, but it was forced. “ I’m sure he’d want to do that himself. It is his room after all.”

Kristen ruffled her son's hair. “ Since when are you so smart? Yeah, I guess you're right.”

Wilbur swatted the hand away. “ I’ve always been smart.”

She smiled sweetly. “ Of course love.” Wilbur pouted, but smiled as he wrapped his arms around his mom, content in his own room.

The duo walked down stairs to see Phil making dinner. The table was only set for 3.

“ What about Technoblade?” Kristen asked, sitting down. Wilbur and Phil shared a look, before Phil answered.

“ He works late, so we normally eat without him.” Phil wouldn’t make eye contact with her.

Kristen nodded. “ What’s his job?” He knew a bunch of kids worked small jobs in the town. They had paper boys, delivery people, gardeners, and babysitters.

Phil coughed and started putting down the food. “ He-um, runs packages to people.”

Kristen smiled. “ Well that's nice. Now let's eat.” And that was it. They ate, talking about Wilbur and his life, and Kristen and her travels. It wasn’t special by any means, but it was nice.

Kristen didn’t notice that there were no left overs.

“ How do you always win?” Phil groaned, banging his head on the coffee table. Kristen laughed lightly, placing her cards down to show a perfect run. Wilbur gawked, before throwing his cards down, showing a mixture of different cards. Phil placed his cards down, not even trying to remove his head. Kristen sighed, before beginning to put the cards away.

“ I’m just that good.” Kristen, checked the time. “ Oh, buddy, I think it’s past your bedtime.” Wilbur groaned, before standing up and walking away.

Phil brought his head up. “ I should make sure he actually goes to bed, and doesn’t stay up playing the guitar.” He stood up, kissing his wife on the forehead, before running upstairs after his son.

Kristen hummed a song as she finished cleaning up the cards. Placing them into the box, she put them on the bookshelf. She knew she should probably stay up and wait for Technoblade, but Kristen was tired, and Phil didn’t seem to be worried, so why should she?

Right before she opened her bedroom door, she saw the old storage room door open just a crack. Kristen rolled her eyes at Phils stupidity, before shutting the door loudly. There was a small gasp on the other side of the door and Kristen froze. Quietly, she opened the door, fully. Inside, there was a boy, curled in on himself on a small mattress. The room was lit by a candle that looked almost burnt out. The boy looked up, and Kristen could see the vivid red that she knew belonged to one person.

“Technoblade?”

The boy looked to be both scared, yet so happy at the same time. “ Mother.”

“ Technoblade, what are you doing in here. When did you get home?”

Techno froze. He stuttered for a minute, before answering. “ First of all, I didn’t like living with Wilbur, so I chose to move here.” It was a horrible lie, but Kristen believed it, cause why would Technoblade lie? “ And second, I got home an hour or so ago. I saw you guys playing a game and didn’t want to intrude. Plus I was tired so…”

Kristen walked in, taking a seat next to the mattress, almost rambing into the wall several times. “ Well, tomorrow I want you to come to me in the morning so we can hang out. I missed you.”

Technoblade nodded, obviously tense. “ I don’t mean to be rude, but can you go? I’m really tired, I spent all day working, y’know.”

Kristen smiled, standing up. “ Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She went to ruffle his head, but her hand immediately got caught in unkempt hair. “ I thought I taught you how to braid last time.”

Techno frowned. “ I just haven’t had the time.”

Kristen sighed. “ Don’t overwork yourself, love.” She kissed his head and turned around. Kristen walked to her room, and laid in bed, falling asleep almost immediately.

Technoblade fell asleep rather quickly too. Most likely from the stress of keeping himself and the blood dripping down his back hidden all day.

Chapter Text

Techno woke up at his usual time, 6:00, but not to train with Phil. No, this time he woke up to clean himself up with Phil. Going from getting wounds to hiding them. What a turn of events. Getting up, he felt his cut stretch in an uncomfortable manner. Quietly, he opened the closet door, and snuck his way out to the kitchen.

“ You're late.” Phil sat in the dining room, a cup of coffee in his hand, a cold and tired look on his face.

“ Sorry, dad.” Techno replied, head down. He heard a sigh and the sound of a chair creaking, indicating that Phil had stood up. His theory was proven right when a hand fell on his shoulder, and another lifted his chin up. Techno looked at his father as Phil scanned him, looking for different injuries. Luckily due to the bad lighting in his room, Kristen didn’t see any of the scraps and bruises covering his body.

Phil sighed, removing both his hands. “ I’ll give you a sweater to cover your bruises, and if we clean the scraps up, you could get away with saying you fell.” Techno nodded. “ Head to the upstairs bathroom, I’ll meet you there in a second.”

“ Sure, dad” Techno lowered his gaze once again and headed upstairs, making sure to avoid the creaky steps, not wanting to wake up his mom. Once he was in the bathroom, he sat on the bathtub's edge, waiting for Phil. While sitting, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and saw that some of his pink hair was peaking out. Crap, he really didn’t want to go through dyeing it this weekend. Last time he did, Phil had ripped a chunk of his hair out, which took him forever to fix.

Suddenly, the door opens. It startles Techno enough to make him jump and fall back into the tub. Luckily he was able to put his arms back before he hit his head and caused some serious damage. Techno took a sigh of relief and was about to help himself up, before a hand grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him up.

Oh crap.

“ Technoblade.” Phil hissed, anger seething into his words. “ You're lucky you caught yourself or we would have more to hide.” The younger didn’t know if his father meant the injury he would have gotten from hitting his head, or from the beating he would get from making a noise.

“ Sorry dad.”

“ It’s fine, just be more careful.” Phil sighed, handing Techno a Phthalo green woolen sweatshirt. “ It’s spring, so Kristen shouldn’t question it.” Techno nodded, before taking off his shirt. Phil looked a little surprised about how many bruises Techno had, and even looked a little ashamed.

Only for half a second.

Then it was the same cold face. “ Ok, so until Kristen leaves, you work as a delivery boy, and choose to move to your new room. You won’t have any training, so be ready to work extra hard after she’s gone. Everyday you’ll come get a shirt from me, got it?”

“ Got it.” Techno nodded, putting on the sweater. It covered almost his entire body, drowning him in fabric. Phil paused his speech for a moment and chuckled at how adorable his son looked. Then shook his head. Focus Phil, Focus.

“ Good, it covers them pretty well. Now, come here. I’m gonna clean up some of your scraps.”

“ Ok.” Phil nodded, before grabbing a towel and running it under the sink. Once it was damp enough, he brought it to Technos face.

It stung a little, but not enough to cause a reaction. After 10 minutes of cleaning, Phil stood up before offering his hand to Techno. His eyes widened slightly. Phil, helping Techno? That didn’t seem right, but he took it anyway. It was moments like this that hurt Techno the most. When it looked as if Phil cared. He could be so gentle. Then it was back to the field where pain would follow his every movement. God, he hated the field.

“ You should be fine for now, just don’t take off the sweater. If you get too hot, just, come to me, got it.”

“ Got it. Thank you, dad.”

Phil nodded, before he started to walk away. Techno started to stand with him, but then remembered the cut on his back. “ Oh, dad?”

Phil turned around, eyebrow raised. “ Yes?”

“ I-um There is one injury I think I-we-you should look at.”

Phil sighed, before closing the door again and kneeling down in front of Techno. “ Show me.”

The little kid nodded, before turning around and carefully pulling the neck of his-Phil’s sweater down. He heard a sharp inhale from behind. “ Jesus christ.”

Techno started to turn his head, but was stopped by Phil. “ Hey, don’t move, it’ll just stretch the wound.” Techno quickly stopped. “ When did this happen?”

Phil moved his son’s head in a different position while Techno answered. “ After you pushed me into the fence, I think I hit some of the barbed wire while trying to get up.”

He heard Phil hum a response as a cold cloth touched his skin. Techno clenched his fists as the feeling of being stung by thousands of bees came over him. Phil continued to wipe off dried blood and dirt for a while, until a knock on the door came by. Both men froze, until Wilbur's voice came from behind the door.

“ Dad? Hurry up. I have to go.” Followed by more knocking. The noise made Technos ears ring, but he didn't say anything.

Phil breathed a sigh of relief. “ One second buddy.” He lowered his voice. “ It’s not fully clean, but just keep it hidden and you’ll be fine.”

Techno felt a pang of sadness when Phil opened the door and hugged Wilbur. They were having a sorta nice moment. Well, as nice as Techno gets. But it’s fine. He can’t blame WIlbur for having to use the bathroom, and he couldn’t blame Phil for ending it short. That's just life.

“ Um, can you leave? I gotta go.” Wilbur said, now infront of Techno. He yelped, and quickly left the room, walking beside Phil downstairs. Once they arrived, Phil sat on the old coach, grabbing the newspaper on the coffee table and opening it up. Techno stood there, just awkwardly looking around. Phil noticed and rolled his eyes. “ You can sit down, you know.”

Techno nodded and sat down with him, staying a good 2 feet away. Phil glanced at him, before going back to reading. Techno bit his cheek, looking around. It was weird as hell. A father. A son. An extremely awkward silence. A super old couch. A shelf full of pictures and games. A coffee table with cup stains because Wilbur refuses to use a coaster. A normal living room, with two normal people sitting on a normal couch.

What a non-normal thing it was.

Techno heard a flush come from upstairs, indicating that Wilbur had finished, and soon after there were footsteps coming downstairs. The brown haired boy flopped in between the two, and leaned his head against his father's shoulder.

Phil smiled, before ruffling his son's hair. “ Good morning buddy, did you sleep well?”

Wilbur nodded. “ Yeah. What'cha reading?”

“ Oh just the news. The war’s beginning to move further west.” Techno knew that Wilbur had no idea where west was, and it was Phils way of making him feel like he's a part of the conversation, while not giving him any information.

Techno also knew his family lived west of the war.

That was a scary thought, yes, but not scary enough. He had other fish to fry right now.

Like the creaking of the stairs as someone walks down stairs.

Immediately, he felt a hand grab his sweater and pull him down. Techno gasped as his back instantly caught on fire. Phil quickly removed his hand and went back to reading the news, even humming a little song. Techno laid on Wilbur, who also looked annoyed and confused, his face squished against the others shoulder. His cheek, which was bruised, was sore and felt pulled in an uncomfortable manner. “ Act tired and happy.” Phil murmured, his lips barely moving. Techno closed his eyes and forced a smile. Wilbur shuffled, making Techno assume he did the same.

He heard the creaking stop, and opened his eyes to see his mother standing there, a look of love and happiness on her face.

Phil looked up from the newspaper and smiled. “ Oh, good morning love.”

Wilbur jumped up and ran to hug his mother, making Techno fall onto Phil’s lap. The man in question freezes, before scooping up the boy and resting him against his side. Techno tries and fails to hide a squeak. Kristen looks up, and Phil gives him a look, as if he was saying ‘ Just play it off.’

Techno scrunched up his nose, trying to look annoyed instead of in pain. “ Dad,” He said, pushing himself off Phil. “ Just let me sleep.” That was an exact quote he had heard Wilbur say a few days ago when Phil tried to drag him off the couch while he was laying down.

Phil looked shocked for a half a second, and Techno feared he would get in trouble. But then he gave him a big hug, accidentally putting an arm on the cut. “ But I want cuddles. I barely saw you yesterday.”

Techno hid his wince from his mom, but not Phil, who quickly removed his arms and sighed. “ Kristen, our children don’t love us.”

She smiled, hugging Wilbur tighter. “ No, they love me. Right, Technoblade?”

Now this is just plain evil. What does he even say here? Before He was forced to answer, Wilbur saved him.

“ We dislike both of you equally.” The twins made eye contact, before Techno forced a smile and chuckled.

Kristen gasped. “ How rude. Phil, I think you know what this means.”

Wilbur turned pale, pulling away from his mother and walking backwards. “ No no no. I was just joking. It was just a joke.”

Kristen smiled. It wasn’t a comforting smile, more like a challenging one. “ Phil? Would you like to do the honors?”

Phil smiled, standing up. “ I would love to.” He went behind Wilbur and lifted his arms up, as Kristen stepped forward and started to attack the boy. Techno gasped as he watched Wilbur…

Start to laugh?

Was this some kind of new torture? No, because Phil would never let anyone hurt Wilbur, not even Kristen. Techno remembers once, when they still shared the room, Wilbur had been about to open the door while Techno was excited. The door had slammed into his face, causing it to bruise pretty badly, and even bleed a bit..

That had been one of the worst training days ever. It ended in a bunch of hair pulled out, and two broken fingers that never really healed correctly. Phil had spouted swears and curses, not even letting the younger stand up before punching, pulling, or throwing the young boy across the field.

So it must have been some weird family thing he wasn’t a part of. Looking more closely, it looked like Kristen was tickling wilbur. Techno had seen Phil tickle Wilbur a few times, but only when he’s being mean or lazy. It didn’t seem enjoyable, but Techno had gone through way worse, so he wasn’t that scared of it.

After a few minutes of Wilbur laughing as both his parents teamed up against him, they finally stopped. Wilbur fell to the ground, an annoyed look on his face. “ That was mean.”

Phil ruffled his hair, laughing. “ Sorry buddy, but that’s what you get.”

Wilbur puffed and crossed his arms, before standing up and walking back towards the couch to sit by Techno. The younger of the twins tensed up, but forced himself to relax when Kristen came and sat down to him. She smiled brightly and kissed his forehead, before frowning.

“ Why are you all bruised up?”

Ok. This was it. He had practiced this. “ Oh, I’m really clumsy. When I hang out with my friends, I fall a lot.” That was a great lie, considering he had no friends, let alone “ Hung out” with them. He didn’t remember the last time he spent time with anyone who wasn’t Phil. And he’s not sure that even counts, considering most of the time it was 10 year old Techno fighting a grown ass man.

Super fair.

“ Well, be more careful please. Don’t want you to injure yourself.” The younger nodded stiffly, trying not to stretch his cut.

Phil smiled at his family, before speaking. “ Do you kids wanna help me with breakfast?”

Before Techno even had a chance to comprehend the question, Wilbur was in the kitchen, screaming about wanting pancakes.

Kristen laughed, before standing up as well and walking towards the back door. “ You boys have fun. I’m going to work on the garden.” And with that, it was just Techno and Phil.

The blonde looked down at his son and smiled? That's not something Phil did to Techno. Wilbur got smiles, Techno got scraps, that's how it works.

“ Good excuse, kid.” He said in a slight Whisper, just to make sure Kristen didn’t hear.

Techno smiled a bit, proud of himself. “ Thanks, dad.”

Phil put his hand down onto the younger's hair. Techno flinched, moving his arms up to protect himself. Quickly the hand was removed, hoving in between the two.

They stared at each other in awkward silence. Phil's face was one of confusion, a wrinkle across his forehead. It was almost like he didn’t know why the younger had flinched, like he didn’t know why Techno was scared of him. He knew, he had to know. It would be messed up if he didn’t realize that beating him up everyday wasn’t mentally good for the younger, that it didn’t make him want to curl up and hide away until he either starves to death or until Phil does.

“ Sorry.” Yet here he was, the one apologizing to this joke of a man.

“ No problem mate. Are you…are you ok?” Now that was a question.

Quite the question. Techno didn’t know how to answer that. He thinks the answer is no, I mean, his body is covered in bruises and he can barely tilt his head without a sharp pain consuming his back. But when people ask you that question, do they really want that answer? No, they just want to feel like they tried to help. Either that, or out of pity.

Techno preferred the first one. He didn’t want anyone's pity, he didn’t deserve it, he was nothing. They were wasting their time and brain power on him. He wasn’t worth it.

So, he gave Phil the answer that the older man wanted. “ Yeah, I’m fine.”

Phil put on a tight smile. “ Ok, do you wa-”

“ What is taking you so long?” The duo turned to look at Wilbur, who was hanging into the living room, using the wall to keep him up.

Phil rolled his eyes. “ I’m coming, just get out the ingredients.”

Wil glared. “ You have 30 seconds before flour covers your floor.”

Phil shook his head, before realizing what the younger said. “ Don’t you dare you little shit.” He yelled, running into the room.

Techno sat there for a minute, listening to Phil yell at Wilbur to put the flour down, before Phil called his name.

The younger ran into the room, almost slipping as he turned the corner, only to see both of his family members baking, looking at him weird.

“ You good, mate?” Phil asked, while Wilbur bit back a laugh.

Techno flushed, his cheeks turning red. “ Yeah, sorry. What’s up?”

Wilbur smiled, grabbing a bowl and handling it to his younger brother. “ We're making pancakes, can you mix this for us?”

Techno couldn’t help but stare at his twin as he grabbed the bowl, nodding, trying to hide a smile. Maybe today won’t be as bad as he thought.

After 25 minutes of batter flying everywhere and Wilbur yelling at both of them ( Plus a few flinches and shaking so hard at one point Techno almost dropped a bowl) The twins had been kicked out of the kitchen and told to sit on the couch while Phil finished making it.

Wilbur was leaning back, his arms crossed, complaining about how unfair it was and how he wanted to add chocolate to his pancake. Techno knew Wil wasn’t talking to him, more just talking to talk. Or so he thought

“ It's so unfair, don’t you agree, Technoblade?” He turned toward his twin. Techno froze, eyes widening. What was the correct answer here? If he agreed with Wilbur, he was against Phil, but if he disagreed with Wilbur, he was against him. In his real opinion, he was rather glad he didn’t have to stay in that kitchen. It was a bit too small, and he kept bumping into Phil, or elbowing WIlbur. While they never reacted, it still made him freeze for a minute, to see if anything was wrong. But Phil wasn't here, and he most likely couldn’t hear them, so all he had to do was please Wilbur.

“ Uh- Yeah. It’s not fair at all.” He mumbled, picking at the strings on his sweater.

“ Like, just because I spilled a few cups of flour, I got kicked out? That's just so rude.”

“ Mhm.” Techno didn’t want Wilbur to think he didn’t care, even if he didn’t.

“ And it’s not like he was perfect, he kept letting stuff spill over the bowl.”

“ Yeah.”

Wilbur stood up. “ Y’know what, I’m gonna give him a piece of my mind.”

“ Of cou- wait what?” Techno’s head shot up, surprise etched on his face.

“ You heard me. He’s gonna be sorry he kicked me out.” The brunette stomped into the kitchen, a small smile on his face. Techno held him hand over his mouth, trying to keep himself from laughing as he heard Wilbur yell at Phil, but failed when he heard the two start laughing.

“ What's so funny?” Techno yelped, turning around to see Kristen walk in, sweat on her fore-head and her pants a bit dirty.

Techno smiled. “ Dad and Wilbur are fighting.”

She shook her head, rolling her eyes fondly. “ He’s a grown man fighting with a 10 year old boy.”

Techno forced a chuckle as his mom sat down next to him. Yeah, so weird that Phil’s fighting a kid. Definitely not an almost daily routine, now that Bad was gone. God he missed Bad.

“ Breakfast is ready.” Wilbur's voice came from the dining room. The two both stood up and started to walk towards the kitchen, Techno standing a bit closer to his mother then necessary. But she didn’t notice.

She never noticed much.

Maybe if she did, Technoblade Watson would still be alive today.

________________________________________________

That week might have been the best week of his life. Everyday he was treated with kindness and not once did he get a bruise.

But as all good things do, it didn’t last.

Kristen stood in the doorway, a small smile on her face. Phil hugged her, his shoulders hunched slightly. Wilbur stood my Techno, frowning.

“ It’s my turn to hug Mom. Get out of the way dad.” He walked up grabbing his dads robe and pulling on it. Phil chuckled, before stepping back, near Techno.

Kristen also laughed and pulled her son in a hug. “ It’s okay baby, I’ll be back soon.”

Wilbur groaned. “ I know, but it’s going to feel like forever.”

“ I’ll bring you back some chocolate from wherever I go.”

At that Wilbur brightened and pushed her slightly out the door. “ Okay, you promised, no take backs.”

His mom rolled her eyes, before looking at Techno, who was wearing a white sweater. She smiled, before opening her arms wide. Techno walked forward and raped his arms around her. Her arms fell on his back and started rubbing small circles in his back.

“ I’ll miss you.” He said with tears in his eyes. He didn’t want it to end. No matter how fake it might have been, it was nice.

“ I’ll miss you too, love. I’ll be back before you know it.” And with that she let go. She walked towards her horse, spirit, and waved her goodbye, before riding off into the town.

The trio were silent for a minute, none of them knowing what to do, before Techno felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned to see Phil standing there, a cold look on his face.

“ You know, your roots are starting to show?”

On his way to the bathroom Techno couldn’t help but think back to the amazing week he had.

It made the yelling and pulling so much more bearable.

Chapter Text

Techno woke up to the sound of Sam snoring on the other bed. It was weird waking up and not seeing blue. It had been weeks since the last time he slept inside. And Months on a real bed. Sometimes, when the rain was bad, he would have to join Sam in the tent, but others, he would wake up soaked, dripping in water. Sam would always fret over him when that happened, worried the younger caught a cold. Techno acted like he hated it.

The pink haired man sat up, cringing when the bed creaked, before standing up to go change. Today was going to be colder than normal, so he grabbed the first sweater he saw, noting after he put it on, it was Phthalo green, the same one he wore the day…

No. Nope. Not thinking about that. This sweater is Sam's favorite color, not Phils. He thought about taking it off, but decided against it, walking outside, grabbing a carrot from his satchel. Phil is no one, and he has been for a long time.

Techno walked, the cold air blowing his braid around. It was early, so not many people were outside, only a few people either walking their pets or going to get breakfast. After a while he found the stables and made his way in, passing through horses of different shape and color. Techno didn’t pay mind to them, choosing to keep his mind on the task at hand, until he passed by a slightly grayer one, who he remembered very well.

Spirit stared at him with her wide eyes, before neighing lightly, as if she knew who he was. Techno slowly reached his hand out towards her nose. “ Hey girl. Nice to see you again.” The horse blinked at him, before turning around and sitting down. Techno laughed lightly. “ Still so stubborn.” He muttered, before continuing on his way.

Carl was waiting for him, and neighed when he saw Techno. The man smiled, bringing his hand up to put the horse. “Hey buddy, how have you been?”

The horse just stared at him in response, as if he was judging him.

“ I know, I know. But it’s only been a day.” Techno smiled, as he opened the stable door and grabbed a saddle. “ Don’t worry boy. We’re gonna have some fun today.”

The wind in his hair, the speed of the horse, the green land around him speeding past. This is what Techno loved. When he was with Carl, he felt like he could cross the world before noon. And we never wanted it to stop. The only thing that could make it better is if Sam was with him, but he was always a late sleeper, especially when he was able to sleep on a real bed.

Eventually, Techno stopped to catch his breath, and heard a sound. It was a melody, something he knows he’s heard before, but couldn't quite place. After thinking for a second, he decided to follow the sound, leading Carl in the direction. Eventually he got to a clearing, with a tree in the middle, with a man facing the opposite way from him. Hopping off of Carl, he walked towards the person, seeing they also had a guitar.

Techno paused once he saw some curly brown hair, and a ugly sweater. Oh crap. Of course it was Wilbur. Cause nothing can ever go well for Techno, never. It could have been some random person, one of the 100 people in this town he doesn’t know, but nope. It just has to be his brother who thinks he’s dead. Great.

Wilbur didn’t seem to know he was there yet, so if he could just, back up, slowly…

“ What are you doing here?” Wil asked, not turning his head. Techno cringed inside. Since when did Wilbur have such good hearing? He used to always not hear the screaming from the field, but now he could hear Techno? Whatever.

“ Just going for a ride. You?” Techno sighed, thinking of different ways to escape.

“ Wanted some quiet. You have no idea how loud our house can get.”

“ Hmm.” Techno didn’t know.

“ Yeah. So, it’s Alex, right?” Wilbur finally turned to face his brother. He was still wearing his red rim glasses, but this time he had a matching sweater. Still as ugly as ever.

“ Yeah. Wilbur?”

He snorted. “ Please, call me Wil. No one has called me Wilbur since Technoblade was around.”

Techno almost choked on air about how calm Wil was talking about him. Everyone so far was walking on eggshells with the name. “ Ok, Wil. You were Techno’s brother right?”

Wil smiled, strumming some random tune on the guitar. “ Techno? I like that. But yeah I was Technos brother, kinda.”

You know the saying ‘curiosity killed the cat,’ yeah that was about to be Techno. “ Kinda?”

“ It’s a long story.” The older brother frowned.

It was silent for a while, before Wilbur smiled again. “ That’s a nice horse. What’s her name?”

Techno turned back at Carl, who had nuzzled up behind him. “ His name is Carl. He’s basically my best friend.”

The musician chuckled. “ Hey, at least your best friend is a living thing.” He lifted his guitar slightly, as if showing it off. He smiled when Techno laughed, before patting the seat next to him. “ Sit.”

“ Oh, I should probably get going, besides I don’t think you’ll like my company.” It was true. Techno could be quieter than a mouse if he wanted to.

Wilbur turned and raised an eyebrow. “ Humor me. Sit.”

Techno glanced at Carl, before walking forward and sitting where Wil had patted. The older boy hummed in delight, before continuing to play. Techno closed his eyes as Carl laid down next to them. He remembered where he had heard this song before. Wilbur had played it for Phil one of the times he was allowed outside of his room.

{They had just finished eating dinner when Wil jumped up and pulled Phil to the couch, before running up the stairs, almost tripping in his hurry. Phil just laughed and sat there, forgetting about Techno. Normally, he was supposed to sit there until Phil ordered him either out to the field or to his room. So the younger didn’t know what to do, leading him to just sit there, and play with his hair. Back then, it was snarly and tangled, so it wasn’t as satisfying, but it still gave him something to do.

After a minute, Wil came back down, holding his guitar, and Techno internally groaned. He was happy for Wilbur, that he had an instrument he could play, but he also couldn’t play. He was only 9, so Techno couldn’t blame him, but still.

Phil smiled as Wilbur started playing. Techno Had to admit, it was one of his better songs. Most of the notes were in Tune, and mixed together nicely. He was going at a good pace, which proved he liked this song, and wanted it to be good.

Techno closed his eyes, and listened for what felt like hours. It was calming, his first real break in weeks, if not months. He wasn’t crammed into a too small room, or outside in the blazing heat. He was able to let himself go for a minute.

If only it could have lasted longer.

After WIlbur had finished playing, Phil clapped, and asked him to play another one. Wil smiled and ran upstairs to get some sheet music. Phil’s smile fell almost instantly when he turned towards his other son.

“ What are you still doing out here?” There was judgment in his voice, and it coated Techno in guilt.

“ You never told me to move.” Techno looked down at the table, so he wouldn’t have to look at his father.

“ Jesus,” The couch creaked, making it known that Phil had stood up. “ Do I have to do everything for you?” A hand grabbed his wrist and pulled him up hard, before dragging him out the back door. “ Stay out here until I come get you, alright?”

Techno nodded, and even then, he knew his dad would forget.}

Techno forced his eyes open. That was not something he wanted to think about right now…or ever.

“ You okay?” Wilbur asked, making the younger jump slightly.

“ Yeah-yeah I’m fine. Just- tired.” He forced a smile, before standing up, grabbing Carl's reins and pulling him up.

Wilbur nodded, obviously not believing him, before checking the time on his watch. “ Shit. I’m gonna be late.” He sat up and grabbed his guitar, throwing it on his back.

“ What’s up?” Techno asked, hopping on his horse.

Wil looked up, before putting his hand out for Carl to sniff. “ I have a “family meeting” or something. I don’t really know, just that they told me to be home by 11:30.”

Techno knew it was at least a 30 minute walk back to the town on foot, and that's without a guitar on your back. Now, the right thing to do would be to offer Wilbur a ride, but Techno didn’t want to do the right thing. He had always done the right thing for a long time.

Techno watched as Wilbur started to run away, before groaning and hitting himself in the face. “ Hey Wilbur.”

His brother turned, raising an eyebrow.

Techno had a feeling this was not gonna go well. “ How about a ride.”

“ Take a left here.” Wilbur instructed, not looking up. So apparently, Wil had an intense fear of horses that grew after Techno left. It made this just a tiny bit more bearable. Techno turned, before slowing down a bit. They had always lived a bit ways from the town, so Techno wasn’t surprised when houses started appearing less and less. Then he saw it.

The paint had peeled off, and the wood had cracked and broken off in some places. The windows were dirty, but he could see someone moving inside. It felt so different, but it was still the same. Techno was back in his childhood home.

He hopped off Carl, making Wilbur yelp in the process. Wilbur sat there, gripping onto the pommel like his life depended on it. Techno chuckled a bit, before putting his hand out and offering it to Wilbur. He paused, before taking it and jumping off, screaming a tiny bit.

Wilbur sighed once he was finally on the ground, before turning to Techno. “ Thanks, I owe you one.”

Techno smiled, before putting his hand on Wil’s shoulder. “ No problem Wilbur.”

The older rolled his eyes. “ Seriously, just call me Wil. Wilbur makes me sound like an old man.”

“ Maybe you are one.” A voice from behind came. They both turned to see Tommy running out to them, arms outstretched. He ran right into Wilbur, almost knocking him down in the process. Wil just laughed, before wrapping his hands around the youngers waist.

( Techno couldn’t help but feel a little jealous.)

Then, Tommy looked at Techno, before running into him. Techno huffed as the kid he just met hugged the air out of him. “ Mr. Muscles. How have you been? Did you get Wil on a horse? Did you know our horse Spirit almost s-”

“ Ok, Tommy, leave him alone.” He turned towards Techno, a cheeky smile on his face. “ Sorry, Tommy can be a little much at times.”

Techno hummed, trying not to feel bad for Tommy. He would never know Technoblade stood in front of him. That his own blood stood in front of him. But maybe that was for the best. If he knew about Techno being his brother, he would have to know about Phil being…Phil.

Suddenly, Tommy grabbed his arm and dragged him to the house. Fear struck his heart as he realized what was happening, and suddenly, he was 12 again. 12, and stuck in a life he didn’t want, a field where he spent his time, blood the thing he tasted the most, alone or with a monster.

Then, the door opened, and he was 3. Before Kristen started leaving, before Phil started Philing. Before WIlbur got ignorant. Before the War.

And before Sam.

“ Mom, Dad, Wil’s here,” The blonde glanced back. “ And he brought a guest.”

Phil popped out of the kitchen, smiling lightly. “ Hey Wil. How you doing mate?”

Wilbur appeared, waving at his dad as he walked upstairs. “ Good. I’m gonna put away my guitar, one second.”

Kristen walked in next. Her long dark hair was in a high pony. “ Oh, hi Alex, lovely to see you again.” She wore a blue shirt, with leggings, and a small smile on her face. Her eyes had her light back, and she seemed more, y’know, happy.

Techno waved, his brain on autopilot. Holy shit. He was back at his old house. With his old family. With Phil. His eyes traveled around. Everything was the same. It was the same couch, with the same coffee table because Wilbur still didn’t use coasters. It was the same, rickety stairs, with the same photographs of Wilbur in the same frames. The same dining table and the same kitchen.

Nothing had changed. Not even the back door in the dining area, that led to the field.

And, yet again, Techno was 12. 12 and terrified.

“Come on Alex. Let me give you a tour.” Tommy grabbed his hand again, and led him around, pointing things out and making comments about stuff. Techno didn’t really listen, too lost in his own mind to concentrate. In that bathroom Phil had held him down while he dyed his hair. It was that closet Phil had locked him in there for hours, forgetting about him till he needed to grab a towel. He had to stand in that corner for a day because he was found resting instead of training. The memories flooded back to him, bringing him closer and closer to freaking out. But he couldn’t. Because if he did then Phil would figure it out and put him back in the field. Make him dye his hair and lock him in the closet. He couldn’t let that happen.

He refused to.

“ And that door leads to the field, where we let Spirit run around. You wanna see?” Tommy exclaimed, already running to the door. No, no he didn’t want to see. Never again.

“ He’s fine Tommy. Leave the poor man alone.” Wil’s voice came from behind, a small frown on his face.

Techno had never been so happy to see his brother.

Tommy pouted, before muttering something and going to sit on the couch with Phil. Wilbur rolled his eyes before motioning for Techno to follow him. Techno did, and he ended up outside, holding on to Carl's reins.

“ Thank you again for the ride, Alex.” Wil said, standing at least 6 feet away from the horse.

Techno faked a shaky smile. He needed to get out of here. “ No problem.”

Wil thanked him again, before rushing back inside. In less than a minute, Techno was on Carl and riding away.

He needed to find Sam.

__________________________________

Wil watched him ride away, wondering how the hell Technoblade was still alive. And why did he come back.

Chapter Text

Wilbur Soot always regretted being a bystander. It was actually around the time his brother left he learned that word. In school, they were talking about bullying and how wrong it is. Most kids, Wilbur included, didn’t really pay attention during this lesson. But that day, his best friend was home sick, and he had no one to talk to, so he decided to just listen to the teacher.

“ -And while bullying itself is horrible, something just as bad is a bystander. Does anyone know what a bystander is?” No one raised their hand, even if some of them did. “ So, a bystander is someone who sees someone else being bullied and does nothing.”

A pause. Not the teacher, or the students, just Wilbur. He looked up at the word written on the board. B-Y-S-T-A-N-D-E-R. Why did that word stick with him? He hasn’t listened to a single word this teacher has said, basically all year. Why did this one word stay with him?

All throughout the day, Wilbur was quiet. Some of his friends were concerned, asking him if he was alright, one of them even joked that he was as quiet as his “lame brother”. Wilbur yelled at them to shut up, before going to the nurse and saying he didn’t feel well.

When Phil showed up, he wrapped him in a tight hug, before picking him up and taking him home. Wilbur doesn’t know why he didn’t enjoy that moment.

When they got home, Phil had rushed him to his bed, tucking him in and setting a chair next to his bed. He grabbed a small trash can in case Wilbur needed to vomit, and sat down. “ Hey buddy, how are you feeling?”

He just shrugged, making Phil frown more. He turned towards the door, yelling out. “ Technoblade, bring me the thermometer. NOW.” Wilburs stomach curled as he heard quiet footsteps from downstairs, before he appeared at the door.

Wilbur felt like he was going to throw up. Technoblade was covered in sweat, scrapes covering his arms and legs. His lip was bleeding, and one of his eyes was bruised. His brown hair was messy and pulled in several different directions.

Phil’s face immediately went from concerned to resentful as he snatched the thermometer, making the young boy flinch away. Phil looked back, asking him to open his mouth as he stuck the stick in, before looking at his watch. “ Okay buddy, I need you to keep that there for 3 minutes, can you do that?”

Wil went to open his mouth, then stopped, and nodded. Phil smiled, cupping his cheek, before turning back to his other son, the smile dropping. “ You. Watch your brother. I need to go to the store and get some stuff. Don’t let him leave that bed or get hurt. Do I make myself clear?”

Technoblade nodded, before Phil grabbed his chin and forced the younger to look at him, “ Do you hear me, or do I need to teach you how to listen?”

The younger's eyes widened in fear. “ No- no, I understand.”

“ Good.” He turned back to Wilbur. “ I’ll be back in a minute Wil, I’ll see you soon.” He gave his son a kiss on the forehead, before walking out, making Technoblade side step to avoid being hit. A few minutes later they heard a door open and shut.

Slowly, Technoblade started walking forward, until he eventually sat down in the chair, his posture perfectly still. Wilbur closed his eyes, not wanting to look at his twin. He didn’t want to look at the boy he knew so little about. He didn’t know his favorite color, or what his favorite food was. He had no clue what he does in his freetime, or if he even had freetime. Hell, he didn’t even know the last time Technoblade went to school. He knew Phil told the principal some half assed excuse a while back, about how Technoblade had some mental issue and they had to take him out, to give him more time to train, but Wil didn’t know when. How did he not remember the last time he saw his brother in school? Why didn’t he stop his friends from making fun of him and his ugly pink hair? Why didn’t he help him?

He opened his eyes and turned towards his twin. Technoblade quickly looked away, bringing his red eyes to the nightstand next to the bed. Wilbur felt his stomach turn and bile rise up his throat. In a second he was on the floor, vomiting into the trash can, his hands clenched into fists on the ground.

A hand found his back, rubbing small circles. The hand was rough, like it had spent all day lifting weights, and it might have been. Wilbur didn’t know.

After about 5 minutes. Wilbur was leaning against the side of his bed. Technoblade had left with the trash can, going to empty it out somewhere. The older twin held his head in his hands, tears falling from his eyes. He didn’t know why he was crying, maybe it was him being sick, or it had been a long day, but he was. His hands clenched around his hair as he tried to stop the tears from spilling, as if that would help. But, as you can guess, it didn’t. The tears kept coming, and the breathing slowed, as less and less air found its way into his lungs.

After a minute, he realized he couldn’t breathe. Tears kept falling as he gasped for air. His grip tightened. He wouldn’t- he couldn’t breathe. His lungs aren't working. What was happening? This never happened before. Why wasn't he breathing? Holy shit, he was gonna die. He was gonna suffocate to death and his heart would stop pumping and-

He was cut off by a voice. It was scratchy, and quiet, but he heard it. It told him to follow his breathing, and a hand came on his arm, softly, moving up for 5 seconds, pausing for 5 seconds, going down for 7 seconds, then pausing for 5, and the cycle started over. After a few seconds, Wilbur realized he was supposed to match his breathing to the pattern. He started off rocky, gasping between pauses, but soon got the hang of it, and was able to slow his heart rate. At some point, a hand took his hands out of his hair, and put them on the ground, next to the boy. The tears stopped falling and he could finally see and thank whoever helped him out.

Technoblade sat next to him on his knees, a worried frown on his face. Before Wilbur even realized what he was doing, he wrapped his arms around his twin, and thanked him over and over. Techno froze for a second, before slowly hugging the boy back. Technos shirt filled with tears but he didn’t mind, it was already dirty. All he cared about was his twin.

Wilbur doesn’t remember how long they stayed there, just that at one point, Phil walked in on them, and sent Technoblade away to his room. Wilbur didn’t miss the hand his dad put on his twins shoulder, or the soft smile he gave him. ( Or the joy on Technos face, and that he was close to tears.)

A few months later a soldier came and Phil threw Techno at them, not even saying goodbye. Two years after that they got news that he had been killed after he started a rockslide, defeating almost their entire army.

So imagine Wilburs surprise when 9 years later he sees a pink haired man with red eyes just like his brothers in their old town. Maybe it was twin telepathy, but WIlbur knew instantly it was him. How could he not. Sure there were new scars, and he looked a lot happier, but it was Technoblade.

His brother who he thought he let get killed.

The next day, he knew he needed to get out of the house. He couldn’t stand looking at his family, not when he knew one of them was out somewhere, with a new brother. Sam. Who even was this Sam? Wil hoped he was nice. No, he needed Sam to be nice. He couldn’t stand letting his twin get hurt when he could stop it. Not again.

Wil sat on the ground, back against a tree. He had found this place a few years after Kristen returned with three year old Tommy. Don’t get Wilbur wrong, he loved Tommy, but after two years of silence, the boy was too loud.

He remembers after Techno died, Phil and his relationship became rocky. It was known they both still loved each other, but with the guilt Phil felt, mixed with the anger Wil felt, they stopped talking as much. Phil busied himself with his work, and Wil turned to work on guitar. He stopped hanging out with his old friends. It was lonely, but it was fine. It was fine.

Then Kristen came home, a toddler in her arms, and asked where Technoblade was.

Wilbur broke down crying, and Phil refused to look her in the eye. Wilbur would never forget the disgust and heartbroken anger her face held. She cried and cried for weeks, before talking about how they never found a body, and how there might be hope.

Wilbur didn’t have the heart to tell her otherwise. But, hey, she was right.

He grabbed his guitar and started playing. After years of being alone, with only his guitar, he had gotten quite good. His hands found the strings, and before he knew it, he had been there for an hour. Music sheets filled his mind, allowing him to play from memory. It was quiet, like a pause in life. For the first time in a while, Wilbur could breathe.

That is until he heard something behind him move. He glanced to the side, and saw a flash of pink. He knew immediately who it was. No one else had pink hair for miles. Wilbur watched him walk away for a second, before curiosity got the best of him.

“ What are you doing here?” Wil said, not even turning around to look at his brother.

He saw the man pause before slowly turning around. “ Just going for a ride. You?

“ Wanted some quiet. You have no idea how loud our house can get.”

“Hmmm.” Techno never met Tommy, he could never know.

Wilbur stared at his twin for a moment, before making a split second decision. “ Yeah, so, It’s Alex, Right?” He watched as Techno took in his appearance, and returned the favor. He wore a green sweater, and his hair in a somehow perfect braid. His eyes seem to glow brighter now, and he had pink hair again.

Wil remembered the times he locked himself in the room and pretended he couldn’t hear the screaming across the hall.

“ Yeah, Wilbur?”

He couldn’t help but snort. “ Please call me Wil. No one has called me Wilbur since Technoblade was around.”

He saw Technoblades face change. The shock was clear on his face. “ Okay, Wil. You were Technos brother, right?

Wilbur paused. Techno? Did he not like the name Technoblade anymore? “ Techno? I like that. But yeah I was Technos brother, kinda.”

“Kinda?”

Great, now he was outing himself. Wilbur should probably take a piece of tape and put it over his mouth. “It’s a long story.”

Quickly looking for a change of topic, Wil looked at the horse. “That’s a nice horse. What’s her name?”

Techno smiled, as the horse nuzzled up around him. “ His name is Carl. He’s basically my best friend.”

The musician chuckled. “ Hey, at least your best friend is a living thing.” He lifted his guitar slightly, as if showing it off. He smiled when Techno laughed, before patting the seat next to him. “ Sit.”

“ Oh, I should probably get going, besides I don’t think you’ll like my company.” No, Wilbur wanted to scream, I would love to have your company, to for once learn about you, and who my brother is.

But he didn’t. He couldn’t. “Humor me. Sit”

Techno paused, glancing at Carl, before coming to sit next to Wilbur. He couldn’t help but smile as he started to play again, choosing one of the songs he learned when he was younger, in hopes Techno would remember it.

When he glanced over, it looked as if Techno had fallen into a deep sleep, and Wil’s smile only grew.

After a while, Techno opened his eyes, tears collecting at the edges. Wils smile immediately fell. “ You okay?”

Techno put on an obviously forced smile. “ Yeah-yeah I’m fine. Just- tired.” He stood up, grabbing Carl's reins.
Even though he didn’t believe him, Wil nodded, before looking down and checking his watch. “ Shit. I’m gonna be late.” He sat up and grabbed his guitar, throwing it on his back.

Techno hopped on to Carl, raising an eyebrow. “ What’s up?”

Wilbur paused, trying to figure out what to say. In truth, everyday after the anniversary of “ The Rockslide”, but he felt now wasn’t a good time to start another “Technoblade conversation”. He reached his hand out to Carl (Even if he was terrified of horses) to try and stall.

“ I have a “family meeting” or something. I don’t really know, just that they told me to be home by 11:30.” Wilbur finally decided on, before starting to run away to maybe get home in time.

He got a good 30 feet before Techno called to him. “ Hey Wilbur.”

He bit back a comment on his name and turned around. Techno’s face was scrunched up, as if he regretted ever coming to this clearing. “ How about a ride.”

Wilbur looked at Carl, and felt himself break into a cold sweat, but then he turned towards his twin.

He realized then he would do anything to get just a few more minutes with him.

Wilbur held on for dear life as he explained to Technoblade where to go. He refused to open his eyes, praying it would be over soon. Eventually, Carl stopped, and Techno jumped off. Wilbur fell forward, yelping as he grabbed the saddle to save himself.

He heard Techno chuckle, and couldn’t help the warm feeling that crept into his chest. He held out his hand and Wil took it gratefully, before jumping off. “ Thanks, I owe you one.”

Techno put his hand on his shoulder, and Wilbur felt his skin pringle under the touch. “ No problem, Wilbur.”

Wil rolled his eyes. “ Seriously, just call me Wil. Wilbur makes me sound like an old man.”

“ Maybe you are one.” A voice from behind came. They both turned to see Tommy running out to them, arms outstretched. He ran right into Wilbur, almost knocking him down in the process. Wil just laughed, before wrapping his hands around the younger’s waist.

Then, Tommy looked at Techno, before running into him. Techno huffed as the kid he just met hugged the air out of him. Wilbur felt a sense of joy as his two siblings hugged for the first time. “ Mr. Muscles. How have you been? Did you get Wil on a horse? Did you know our horse Spirit almost s-”

And there goes that joy.

“ Ok, Tommy, leave him alone.” He grabbed his brother's shirt and pulled him back, before turning back to Techno , a cheeky smile on his face. “ Sorry, Tommy can be a little much at times.”

Techno just hummed. Wilbur, for not the first time, wished he could read minds to maybe see what his brother was thinking.

Suddenly Tommy grabbed Technos arm and dragged him to the house, and, although he knew he should have, Wilbur didn’t stop him. Maybe it was out of curiosity, maybe it was an apology, he’d never know.

“ Mom, Dad, Wil’s here,” The blonde glanced back. “ And he brought a guest.”
Phil popped out of the kitchen, smiling lightly. “ Hey Wil. How you doing mate?”
Wilbur smiled tightly at his dad. “Good. I’m gonna put away my guitar, one second.” He walked upstairs, and took a deep breath. Holy shit, Technoblade was in Wil’s old house. In THEIR old house. In his old house. Technoblade was in his old house, and here Wil was, freaking out. He had to get out there and help him. He had to, he couldn’t. Why couldn’t he move? No no no no not again. This has happened more often since Techno died-or left- or whatever. His breathing picked up, until it stopped completely. He quickly found his wrist and started moving his finger up for 5 seconds, pausing for 5 seconds, going down for 7 seconds, then pausing for 5. Just like Techno was.

After a few minutes, WIlbur felt stable enough to go downstairs, only to find Tommy dragging Techno towards the door to the field, one Wilbur even has trouble going into sometimes. “ He’s fine Tommy. Leave the poor man alone.” Wil said, a small frown on his face.

Tommy pouted, before muttering something and going to sit on the couch with Phil. Wilbur rolled his eyes before motioning for Techno to follow him. They walked outside, until Techno was holding Carl's reins and seemed calmed down.

“ Thank you again for the ride, Alex.” Wil said, standing at least 6 feet away from the horse. He was not going through that again.

Techno put on an obviously fake smile. “ No problem.”

Wilbur thanked him one more time, before running back inside, not wanting to make Techno stay there any longer. Once inside, he looked out the window, watching Techno ride away.

He shook his head. I still couldn’t believe his eyes. How the hell was Technoblade still alive? And why did he come back?

And Who is this “Sam” and why did he say he was Technoblade’s brother?

Chapter Text

Techno burst into the Hotel room, tears threatening to fall from his eyes as he shut the door. “ Sam! Sam, where are you?” The room was empty, the bed left unmade. Techno fell to the ground and the tears started falling. He had promised himself 9 years ago he would never go back there, back to the house he saw in his nightmares. He just had to give Wilbur a ride, or Wil, or whatever his name is now.
He grabbed his own arm, trying to do the breathing trick he learned from Bad, but he couldn’t. His hands were shaking too hard. He needed Sam. Where was he? Did he leave? Yeah, that much was obvious, Sam had left. But had he left Techno for a few hours, or a few minutes? Or did he leave forever? What if he left and never came back? What if he got bored of Techno, and went to live with Ponk? Oh my god. He left. Techno was alone again. He- Now he had to leave. He had to go- had to get Carl out of the stables again and leave.
Except, he couldn’t. He couldn’t move. He could barely breathe. He couldn’t- he wouldn’t be able to leave. He would die there. Alone in a hotel room, until a poor housekeeping person found his dead body.

Behind him, the door opened and he turned to see Sam, a bag of groceries in his arms. Immediately, said groceries were on the ground.

“ Techno? What- are you okay?” Sam dropped in front of him, bending down so he was in the boy's eyesight. “ Hey, Techno, it’s okay, oh shit, um, can you hear me?” He opened his mouth to try and speak, but could only gasp. “ Ok, I’m gonna take that as a yes. Can you see me?” Techno shook his head no. The world was just a mess of colors and a slight outline of shapes. “ Shit. Ok, um, can I touch you?” Techno nodded. It had been years since his last outburst. Both of them had forgotten how to deal with it.

The blob of green quickly grabbed the other and pulled them into a tight hug, rubbing soft circles into his back. “It’s okay, Tech. I’m here for you. I’m right here.”

“ S-sam.” Techno gasped, reaching forward towards his brother, scratching his shoulders, trying to find some sort of stability. “ I- It’s- I can’t.” His throat felt like it had collapsed in on itself. He wanted to explain to him. To let Sam know that he’s not weak. That he’s not just going back to his 14 year old self, who couldn’t even blink without crying.

“ I know buddy, it’s okay. Don’t talk, okay? Just save your energy.” Techno went to speak, before realizing what Sam said, and simply opting for nodding. Even though Techno couldn’t see it, Sam smiled. “ Good. Good. Rest Tech, I’ll be here when you wake up.”

Techno nodded, closing his eyes, almost drifting off instantly. The only thing he heard before falling asleep was something he thinks he wasn’t meant to. “ I love you, brother.”

Technoblade woke up a few hours later, calmed down. Sam was still holding him, but they had moved to the bed instead. “ Sam?”

The man looked down, relief shimmering in his eyes. “ Tech, I’m so glad you're okay. How are you feeling buddy?”

Techno sat up, slowly, hand on his head as he answered. “ Headache.”

Sam frowned, before grabbing a bottle from the counter. “ Here, you can have some of this after we eat.”

Techno nodded, before trying and failing to stand. In a second, he was on his knees. Sam jumped up, helping him back on the bed. “ Don’t. You're exhausted.”

Sam went to leave, most likely to go grab a snack or something for the younger, but Techno wasn’t having it. He grabbed Sam's sleeve. “ Don’t go.”

Sam sighed. “ Tech, I need to grab you some foo-”

“ Please, Sam. Just, I can’t be alone right now.”

“ Techno. I’m right here, okay? I will never leave you. I promise.”

Techno took a deep breath, before nodding. Sam smiled weakly, and walked towards where the groceries were still on the floor. Techno blushed, feeling a little embarrassed that he made such a fuss about an eight foot walk.

Sam smiled, before returning and giving Techno an apple. “ Can you eat this?”

Techno nodded, taking it into his hand and biting down. It tasted sweet, and Techno immediately relaxed. Sam noticed this, and smiled bitterly. “ Better?”

Techno didn’t answer, instead just taking another bite from the apple. Sam frowned, before sitting down next to the boy. They sat in silence, the only noise being the crunch when Techno took a bite. It took longer than it should have for him to finish eating, but after about 7 minutes he had finally finished. Sam threw the core into the trash, before laying down in the bed. “ You wanna tell me what happened?”

Techno glanced over, his hands playing with his hair without him even noticing. “ It's kinda a long story.”

Sam sat up, hands grabbing a bunch of pink hair and started braiding. “ We’ve got all the time in the world.”

Techno leaned into the hands. Guilt churned in his stomach. How could he have thought that Sam would leave him? How could he have ever believed his brother would hurt him (again)? Sam had always been here. Even when they had only known each other for a week, Sam refused to let him leave the bed, and made him food. It was the most love he had ever gotten, and it was from a stranger.

Sam loves him. Wilbur hates him. Tommy doesn’t know him. Take a wild guess who Techno considers family. “ Sam.”

The older man nodded encouragingly, and Techno could barely see it from the angle he was at. Techno took a deep breath. His lungs grew tight, but he knew it wouldn’t be better until he told someone. And there was no one else he’d rather tell.

Techno opened his mouth,

And spilled everything that had happened that morning to his brother.

Chapter Text

“ Phil, it’s time to go.” Kristen yelled from downstairs, and Phil quickly put the photo back in his dresser, hidden from eyes. It was a picture of a young boy with brown hair. He was smiling, but his face was full of bruises. His long hair was messy, and behind him was a field, one that rested just outside the house. Phil doesn’t remember taking the photo, or why it was taken, but he knows that after Technoblade died, he went on a craze and searched for 2 days to find a picture of the young boy, and he did, so he doesn’t question it. Maybe it was a gift from the gods, maybe it was a punishment. All he knew is he had something to remember what his sons face looked like.

Phil quickly grabbed his hat. “ Coming, love.” He took a deep breath, before smiling brightly. Tommy still didn’t know that he and the great Technoblade were related. He didn’t know the real horrible past that was his family. Kristen said it would be best if they waited til he was older, when he would be more understanding of his family, and why Phil did what he did.

Not that Phil deserves his son's forgiveness. He didn’t deserve Kristens or Wilburs, but they think he did. He doesn’t know how such a horrible man like him got this amazing family, but he thanks every god out there that he did. ( He also curses them for giving Techno a father like him.)

He walked downstairs, grabbing his coat and meeting his family outside. His smile turned a little less forced when Tommy ran and gave him a hug. He laughed with his family, before they all started to walk towards the cemetery. It was a long walk, considering they lived so far from the others. After Technobade died, the rumors started about his abuse. People from the camp saw the scars and bruises and suspected the trainers, not the family. There was a court case a few months after the incident, but with no evidence, nothing came from it.

The guilt settled into Phils stomach as he and his family made their way over to the cemetery. Tommy thought it was normal for every family to visit the grave of the hero. The one who saved them all. So it was Wilburs job to distract him while the other families gave their condolences. None of them questioned when Tommy wasn’t with them, knowing why and respecting the family's wishes to keep it hidden. Phil tried to act grateful, he did, but it was hard when all he wanted to do was visit his son.

They were close to the grave now, and Phil all but cheered when he realized only one person was in front of them. That small spout of happiness was quickly diminished when he saw who it was. Bad walked up to the duo, after dropping a blue orchid on the grave. Phil tensed up slightly. The old babysitter hated them for what they did to Technoblade, almost as much as Phil hated himself. “ Phil, Kristen,” He greeted, with a slight nod. If you couldn’t see his face, you would almost find it respectful. But Phil could, and he saw the look of pure disdain and hate written on the normally nice babysitter's face.

Phil took a deep breath, eyes glancing to where Wilbur had brought Tommy. “ BadboyHalo, how are you doing? Holding up okay?”

“ Better than most.” He glanced back at the grave. “ It’s still hard to imagine that little boy out in the fields, you know?” He walked closer and spoke into Phil's ear. “ I would say it should have been you, but you would have never given yourself up for them like he did.” He spat out, the venomous words stabbing Phil in the chest. Bad stepped back, making eye contact with Phil for a few seconds, before the babysitter left, waving goodbye to Wilbur and Tommy.
Phil took a deep breath, readying himself before calling Wilbur and Tommy over. Now that the family was right next to the grave, the emotions he had tried so hard to deny were bubbling to the surface. Kristen kneeled down and placed the bouquet of Maroon Dalilas down in front of the Grave, which read,

Technoblade, Beloved Son and Hero. May he rest in peace with the gods.

Phil took another shaky breath, trying to keep his cool. Everytime he thought that it had gotten easier, all he had to do was read those words, and it felt like it was that first day when the soldier came in and told him his son had died.

Wilbur put a hand on his back, but there was something different behind his eyes. There was sadness, of course, but there was no grief. No sorrow. Phil felt something stir in his stomach. Instead of wasting the energy on figuring out what that emotion was, he settled on pride. He must be proud that his son has moved on, or at least no longer misses his brother. He smiled back at his son, before turning and wrapping his wife in a hug from behind. She stilled for a moment, before relaxing, and leaning into it.

Wilbur grabbed Tommy, and tucked the boy into his side. He complained for a moment, before grumbling and tucking his face into the others chest. The family sat there for a minute in silence, listening to the birds above them. Since Tommy came into their lives, the family never had time for silence anymore. It was nice to listen and not hear a direct voice for once. Instead, he heard the people around them mourn others' death, others who died in the war. Brothers, fathers, friends. People whose names weren’t remembered by all. For such a heartbreaking moment it was, Phil was able to find in his heart that right now, he was happy.

He hoped his family was as happy as he was right now. Especially Technoblade.

After Techno’s little freak out, Sam had decided that he needed a day of fun. He talked to Ponk and canceled some plans Techno didn’t care enough to remember. They got ready, and went out too where Niki was to pick up their horses again. Carl seemed confused, but happy nonetheless.

The duo left L’manburg. Not forever, if they didn’t want to, but Techno still saw Sam grab a few important things to him. Things that you wouldn’t need for a horse ride. They hopped on their horses near the edge of the woods, and rode away. The speed they were going would make a normal person sick. Even if it had only been a few hours, Techno missed it. The wind flowing past his ears so loudly he can’t hear anything else. The steady up and down rhythm as Carl sprinted through the forest, Sam hot on their trail. He didn't think it would ever get old.

Techno was faster, they both knew, but Sam still raced against him, knowing what joy it brought his brother. Techno led Carl up and around the trees, not stopping no matter what, even after passing the clearing he saw Wilbur earlier that same day. His hair was probably a mess from the wind, but he didn’t care. And finally, though it took a while, Techno forgot all about the date and his family. All he could think about was going faster.

“ What do you say Sam? Wanna race? Let's get as far away from this town as possible.” Techno mumbled that last part. It was more for himself than anyone else. He beckoned Carl to go faster, if that was even possible. He listened, and It was almost like he was flying. They rode on, the spacing between the brothers growing wider.

Techno didn’t stop until he cleared the woods. He knew that if he kept going, Sam would follow him, but he still paused. For some reason, the thought of leaving made his stomach turn even more than the thought of staying. The image of Tommys face stuck in his mind. For a boy he knew so little about, he had extraordinary wonder for. Is that what Techno would be like if Phil didn’t hurt him? If he didn’t ruin his one and only childhood.

Sam had given Techno so much. He had replaced the pieces Phil had damaged, and filled in the holes he never bothered to fill. But Sam could never give him back his childhood. It’s then that Techno realized he couldn’t leave. Not until that hole was filled. Not until he got to live a life in this town with his blood family.

As much as it hurt Techno to do, he turned back to the plains where they had arrived from, and back towards the woods. He took a deep breath, watching Sam slow to a stop, before starting again, even faster than before. He went as fast as he could, back to the place he always wished he could call home.

Chapter Text

Now, Techno would say he planned what happened next, but he didn’t. The universe just seemed to be on his side for the first time in his life. He just happened to be walking around one day, thinking of ways to visit his family, when boom.

Tommy.

The boy ran straight up to him, and started talking. Normally Techno would just walk away if this happened, but it was Tommy. His way back to his old home. So, Techno stayed, and the duo talked and walked together for what felt like hours. The boy was energetic and happy and everything Techno was not.

But it was nice. When Tommy talked, Techno listened. And when Techno made jokes that most would find offensive or rude, Tommy laughed like he would never laugh again. Techno would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy it. But it did also hurt him. Tommy talked with the confidence of ten men, and the happiness of a hundred, a trait Wilbur also shared. It was a reminder of just how differently he was treated by his family.

“ So, big man. What's your favorite part about L’manburg? The market, or the bakery.”

Techno glanced away from the road. “ I’m not sure. I haven’t been to either.”

Tommy stopped walking and gasped dramatically, practically yelling out. “ What? Why not? That’s like, the best part of this stupid place.”

Techno shrugged eyes shifting to the people walking around them. “ Haven’t had the time yet.”

Tommy gaped at him. “ Do you not have a life? What do you even do in your free time?”

Techno rolled his eyes. “ Yes I have a life. And I like to ride Carl around.”

“ Carl? Who’s-” He paused, before raising his voice even more. “ Your horse? Bro, okay, I am electing myself to be your tour guide. I’ll see you back here tomorrow.”

Techno frowned. “ I don’t need a-”

“ Come back to this spot tomorrow at ten. I’ll show you the town.” Tommy ran away before Techno could answer. He paused, looking at the shop he was at. It was some old clothes shop, one he thinks was there when he had lived here. The paint on the sign was so worn out he couldn’t even read what it said.

Now, Techno could have just never shown up again. Tommy might have been a bit mad at him, but there wouldn’t be anything the boy could do. The idea crossed his mind for a minute, as he sat in his bed the next morning. Honestly, he felt exhausted. He didn’t sleep well last night and would rather just spend the next 5 hours taking a long nap, and then go on a ride with Carl.

But he stayed here for a reason. So Techno got out of bed and changed. He put on a dark red shirt and black pants before brushing out his hair. He decided that he would leave it down for the day. It wasn’t too windy, and he hadn’t worn it free in a while. He walked around to Sam's bed and kicked the side, waking the man up.

Sam snorted, barely opening his eyes. Techno didn’t even stop walking as he called back that he was leaving. Sam swatted his hand up. “ Have fun with Carl.” Techno found no need to correct him. As he walked around the town to the old clothes shop, Techno wondered if this was a good idea. What if Tommy decided Techno wasn’t actually cool, or that he was too scary to be around? For the first time in a while, Techno felt insecure.

He almost debated turning around and going back home, before someone jumped on his back. Techno reached back, grabbing the person by the back of their shirt and throwing them in front. Right before Techno let go, he saw a flash of blonde. Tommy hit the ground with a thud, and Techno internally face-palmed. Great start to the day. Techno walked up to the boy, and stared down at him. “ Are you alive?”

Tommy coughed, before bursting out in laughter. “ Holy shit man. That was so fucking sick. Do it again.”

Techno let out a small laugh, holding out his hand to help the boy up. “ I’d rather not. Next time you might not be so lucky.”

Tommy jumps up, wiping off his pants and smiling up at Techno. “ That was all skill, big man. No weakling like you could defeat me.”

The pink haired man rolled his eyes fondly, allowing Tommy to grab his hand and start dragging him around. He’s dragged for a few minutes, until they stop at an open area. It was the same place they had held the celebration a week ago. Now, instead of multiple fires and logs around, there were crowds of stands. People walked around, stopping randomly, and talking to the shop owners. Tommy slows down a bit, hand still gripping Technos. “ Welcome to the market. This is where most people get there, well, everything.”

They stop near the middle, and Tommy looks up at Techno expectantly. “ So?”

Techno glances around, before awkwardly coughing. “ What?”

Tommy rolls his eyes. “ Do you see anything that you want? We could get a gift for Carl.”

Techno smiles at the idea, finally looking around at the different stands and shops. There were a few with reins and saddles. One even sold what looked like a ride on a small pony. A few little kids were lined up at that one. Techno keeps looking, before something catches his eye. He pulls his hand out of Tommys and walks toward an empty stand. A teen girl sat behind it, looking bored. She couldn’t have been older than 9, and her curly red hair was pulled back with a purple ribbon.

Techno walked towards her, before waving awkwardly. “ Hullo.”

The girl looked up, surprised, before quickly jumping up to her feet. “ Hi. Is there anything I can help you with? We have a special deal today, buy one and get two free.”

Techno hummed, before picking up one of the ribbons. When he was younger, right after he had gotten Carl, Sam had bought him a bunch of string. He had taught Techno how to weave them into Carl's hair, and how to take them out. He had helped him figure out what colors he preferred on Carl. And which textures Carl seemed to prefer. It had been a while since he got them for his horse. So when he saw the diamond blue ribbon from afar, he knew he had to get it. He looked back up at the girl. “ How much?”

The girl smiled brightly, showing off her white teeth. “ Just a single silver, not much at all. If you want we also have a few longer ones right,” She pauses, pulling a blue ribbon from what seems to be a box hidden from view. “ here. They’re two silvers, but much longer, and the deal still stands, but you would have to get 2 smaller ones or one larger one.”

Techno nodded, reaching into his pocket and grabbing a gold coin. He places it on the counter and grabs the ribbon from the girl, who stares down at the coin. “ Um, I’m sorry, but I think you gave me the wrong one.”

Techno just smiled, wrapping the ribbon around his wrist, before looking down at the others, figuring out which two he wanted. “ I know. Just keep the change, it’s fine.”

The girl smiles, before grabbing the coin and turning away, pausing briefly. “ Please don’t steal anything.” She said, before running away, yelling for her brother. Techno chuckles, before looking back down at the different colors. There were several different colors, from a deep red to a bright purple. He didn’t know which ones to pick. They were just a bit too short to match Carl's hair length, but he would never miss a good deal.

Two familiar arms yet again jump on him, wrapping around his neck. This time, Techno just sighs, until Tommy lets go and appears next to him. “ You’re taking way too long, big ma- man” Tommy stuttered mid sentence, eyes catching onto a red ribbon. The pause was barely noticeable, but Technno caught on to it, quickly grabbing two ribbons in that color and handing one to Tommy.

The boy paused, looking down at the gift in his hand, before chuckling softly. “ You know, stealing is not very pog man.”

Techno paused briefly at the odd word, but just shrugged it off. “ I already paid, they were free.”

Tommy stared into his eyes, seeing if he could find anything to suggest Techno was lying. He must have been happy with what he found, because his smile returned in full force, basically bouncing with excitement. “ Pog. Here let me help you.” He grabs Technos hand again, before pulling him aside to a bench. He forces Techno to sit, before stealing his ribbon and grabbing Technos hair, pulling hard. “ Sorry.” He says sheepishly, before criss crossing the hair into what Techno guessed was a braid. After a minute, Tommy tied it with the ribbon and stood back, smiling proudly.

Techno reached back, and knew instantly it was the worst braid that anyone had ever put in his hair. He could already feel strands sticking out, and it was far too loose, almost full holes in between each clump. At least the ribbon was tied in tight, so it couldn’t fall out, although it probably wouldn’t make much of a difference.

Techno never wanted to take it out.

“ Thank you, Tommy.” He almost whispers. Tommy smiled brighter ( if that was even possible) and handed Techno his ribbon.

He put his hand out, palm up. “ Tie it on for me.” Techno raises an eyebrow, which makes Tommy shrink in on himself sheepishly. “ Please.”

Techno snorts, before giving in and tying it into a bracelet, tucking in the end so it keeps hidden. Tommy holds his wrist out, jumping up and down, like it wasn’t just a ribbon. Techno couldn’t help but smile. Although he only met Tommy about a week ago, he couldn’t help but feel like he’s known him forever. To Techno, it seems as though Tommy could befriend just about anyone.

Tommy looks down at the Blue ribbon tied around Technos wrist. “ Is that for Carl?”

Techno looks down, before smiling. “ Yeah. I was just gonna-” Before Techno could even finish his sentence, Tommy had grabbed Technos hand yet again and dragged him out of the market, practically running.

“ You have got to show me how to braid it in. Not that I’m not already an amazing braider, but I’ve never braided a horse's hair. Mom won’t let me touch our horse after she almost killed Wilbur. But really that was just Wils fault…”

Techno listened as Tommy rambled on and on about anything and everything. The conversation moved like the wind, changing every other second. And Techno listened. He listened to everything the boy had to say. It was almost enchanting how the boy never stopped, never stuttered, never even took a breath. Techno normally enjoyed the quiet nights spent with Sam as they sat by a fire. The silence was a comforting constant. But Techno found he didn’t mind this either.

When they arrived at the stables, Tommy finally let go of Technos hand, and he ignored how cold he felt now. “ Which one of you is Carl?” He pointed accusingly at a horse. Techno shook his head, and Tommy pointed at another one. Techno laughed before unwrapping the ribbon from his wrist and walking towards Carl. Tommy ran in front of him and Techno had to grab his shirt so he didn’t run too far. Tommy turns toward Carl and smiles. “ Carl. You and I are going to be best friends.”

Techno just rolled his eyes and opened the stable. “ Tommy, come here.” The boy listens, walking up and bumping arms with Techno. Techno smiled. “ Good, now,” He carefully shifts Carl and grabs a brush from the wall. “ Watch.”

It was the quietest Tommy had ever been. He watched, eyes as wide as saucers as Techno carefully brushed out the hair and tied the middle of the ribbon to the top of the mane. He grabbed two chunks of hair and the two strands of the ribbon, and carefully started weaving them in and out. He makes sure he makes it tight but doesn’t pull Carl's mane. Once he finally reaches the end he grabs a small strand of Carl's hair and ties the end. Finally done, he steps back and views his work. It’s a bit messier than usual, but the blue and brown look nice together, and Techno can’t help but smile and rub Carl's snout with his hand.

Then, he glances over at Tommy, who stood as still as a statue. He stared at the braid in wonder, as if it was the most beautiful thing in the world. “ You braid like my mom.” And Technos heart drops. His stomach was a pit and he felt his breakfast coming up quick. “ I mean as beautiful as her. I’ve seen other horses have braids, but they are never as, well, flawless.” He turns away towards Techno and smiles.

Techno swears it's the best thing he’s ever seen in his life.

So he doesn’t even think as he puts his hand on the youngers hair and ruffles it, just a bit. Tommy almost leans into the touch, and Technos heart melts. Carefully, he pulled the boy closer and grabbed his arm. Slowly, he shifts there in front of Carl and puts the young boys hand out, palm out. The same hand that had the red ribbon on it. Carl sniffs it for a moment, before leaning forward and putting his snout in the boy's hand. Tommys eyes widened, and his smile grew. “ That’s it. Carl, I love you.”

Techno laughs, before leaving and grabbing his saddle. “ So, where to next, tour guide?.” Tommy smirked, and Techno wondered what on earth he had gotten himself into.

If you would have told Techno a year ago that he would give both of his brothers a ride on Carl, he would have told you you're crazy and that he only had one brother, Sam. But now, as he heard Tommy whoop and cheer as Carl moved faster and faster.

Well, he wouldn’t trade that for the world.

When Techno got home that night, Sam was again in his bed. He had obviously been out, considering the change of clothes, but the thought of the man sitting there all day still made Techno laugh. Sam glanced up, before his eyebrows wrinkled in worry. " Tech, what happened to your hair?" Techno only smiled at his brother, before changing and laying down in bed, the messy braid and red ribbon still in his hair.

And he wouldn't have it any other way.

Chapter Text

When Techno woke up, he knew it was gonna be a good day. Maybe it was the fact that a slight breeze blew through the open window, or that Sam was snoring a little bit quieter today. Or maybe it was the red ribbon sitting next to his head, having fallen out in his sleep.

Techno smiled, before grabbing it and going to stand in front of the mirror. He took a minute to look at himself, eyes shifting slowly to his scars. As much as he wanted to pretend they didn’t exist, they did. It took months with Sam before he was even able to look in a mirror. He was surprised Tommy wasn’t terrified of him. But he was also so glad the kid wasn’t.

Techno started to braid his hair, carefully tying it back with the ribbon, and smiled to himself. He couldn’t help but think about the little blonde sunshine back at his old house. He was probably awake, talking the ear off of Kristen. Or bothering Wilbur to play him a song. Maybe he was with Phil, helping him make breakfast.

That thought made Techno sour slightly. Phil. Ew. Techno knew he should be scared for Tommy, worried Phil might do to him what he did to Tech. But how could he? Not when his old father stared at Tommy like he did Wilbur. Not when Tommy yelled loudly and didn’t wait for repercussion. When the bright boy didn’t have any bruises, or cuts. He knew Phil treated Tommy like a Wilbur, and not a Techno. Not like a monster.

Techno stood up, walking towards Sam. The man slept with his brows furrowed, frowning. Techno frowned, and quickly shook the man away. Sam woke up with a start, and Techno knew instantly he was having one of his nightmares. Techno still didn’t know much about his older brother's past, but he knew it wasn’t good. He knows Sam had to leave in the middle of the night, and he has too much fighting experience to not have been in a few fights at least. But the older of the two never told Techno about his past, and Techno didn’t pry. But Sam knew Techno would listen if he did ever want to talk about it, and that was enough to feel safe.

Techno quickly got the man a cup of water. “ Are you okay, Sam?”

The older of the two smiled graciously, taking a small sip. “ I’m alright Tech. Thank you.” Techno nodded, giving the man a squeeze on the shoulder. Sam stood up, stretching out his limbs. “ Just a bad dream.”

Techno nodded, stepping back to give the man space. “ If you insist.” He smiled, trying to shake off the worried feeling. “ Wanna go on a ride?” Techno knew the answer the second he saw Sam's sly smirk.

Sam flew in front of Techno, the field empty of everything but them. He glanced back, giving Techno a challenging look. He pet Carl, careful to avoid the flowers in his mane Tommy had insisted on adding last night. There were some blue cornflowers, a blue that went well with the ribbon. “ Well, we can’t say no to a challenge like that, can we Carl?” The horse sped up in response, and Techno tightened his grip slightly, not wanting to fall. He caught up to Sam, who smiled brightly, his dream forgotten. Techno pulled up in front of him, before looking back. “ Come on Sam, you know better than to Challenge me to a race.”

Sam rolled his eyes, speeding up. “ Don’t forget who taught you how to ride.”

Techno turned forward again, urging Carl to speed up. “ Sorry Sam, can’t hear you over this utter defeat.” Techno zoomed away, not daring to look back. Technically, there was never a winner in any of their races. They never really had a finish line. They stopped when they wanted, and started where they wanted. That may be why Techno loved racing Sam more than anyone else. Because no matter what, the race could last longer.

Techno kept going for another 30 minutes, before Sam slowed down, calling back for him to stop. Techno smirked, “ Getting tired old man? I could do this all day.” He held Carl's reigns father in front, making him go faster. The race had just started, he didn’t want it to end yet.

“ Techno-” Sam called out, but Techno ignored him, taking a turn left and entering a wooded area. It was slightly uphill, but Carl didn’t seem to mind, so Techno kept going. Except, why did it look slightly familiar? He heard hoofs behind him speed up. “ Techno, don’t-.” Except it was too late. Techno took a left, and ended up on the side of a cliff. He stopped immediately.

There were flowers everywhere, some wilted and old, while others looked brand new. There was a wooden sign posted up near the end of the area. Oh. This was a burial sight. Sam must have seen a sign or something that told him. Techno hopped off Carl, looking around and walking closer to the sign, trying to show at least a little respect to whoever he just disturbed. Why did it feel like he’s seen this place before? Sam rode up. “ Tech-” Oh. So that's why.

Here lies Technoblade Watson, savior of L’manburg.

The sign haunts him, almost as much as the rocks at the bottom of the cliff. The joy he felt only moments prior was suddenly replaced with this ugly, icky feeling. The name rang in his ears, and Techno felt his legs give out beneath him and he fell to the ground, eyes on the sign. He heard Sam walk up and sit next to him, sliding his hand next to Technos, in case he wanted to grab it. He did. He really really did. He leaned his head against Sam and closed his eyes, trying to block out memories of the war.

It didn’t work.

A punch to the gut sent Technoblade falling to his knees, his long hair falling in front of his face. “ If you can’t handle a single punch soldier, why are you even here?” His sergeant screamed at him, grabbing his hair and throwing him forward onto his feet. But it wasn’t one punch, it had been dozens upon dozens. Techno would have been crying on the floor if Phil hadn’t trained that out of him already. He doesn’t know why the officers seemed to like that he had gotten prior training though, as he swears they don’t pick on others as much as they do him.

“ Are you quitting on me, soldier? Get up, you have four more laps to run.” Run. That's something Technoblade could do. He stood up straight and took off. The wind blew his hair out of his face, and Techno wished it didn’t, so he could use it to cover his eyes. He passed by a man in his late twenties getting beaten by two superior officers. One of them has a bat with just a bit too much blood on it. He kept running. He passed by a girl with curly red hair holding back tears as a commanding officer yelled at her two inches from her face. Techno kept running. This was normal here. L’manburg had never been in a war before, so the higher ups were anxious, especially when most of their rag-tag team of men and women could barely hold a sword. And they took their anxiety out on the soldiers. Techno honestly couldn’t blame them. He knew sometimes people needed to let anger out in forms of violence. Phil had taught him that many times.

One lap done

Techno ran faster as he thought of his family. For 9 months he had been at this camp, and he had not received one letter, or one gift from them. It's to be expected. Why waste those resources on Technoblade? It would just be ridiculous. No, they should save that to write to Mom. She is probably worried sick about Wilbur with the war going on. She should know he's safe. And that Phil’s safe as well. She shouldn’t have to worry about them. Or anyone she loves. He passed by the man again, who was still getting yelled at by the officers. The girl was gone.

Second lap done

Techno’s sergent yelled at him as sweat blared down his forehead. He’ll admit, he doesn’t know why he's the only one being yelled at. He’s caught up to everyone in his group by now, and they all had a major head start compared to him. But he learned long before even coming to the camp that you don’t question who's in charge of you. He weaves through the others in his group, doing what he can to make his commander happy. He passes whoever is in first and only then does the yelling stop. He’s out of breath, but Techno is glad he doesn’t need to hear that annoying man's voice anymore. He glances over, trying to find the man, but he's gone. He's about to look away when he spots him and- Oh. The officers grab his body and bring it away, wiping the blood off their hands and onto his shirt. Techno tears his eyes away. He wishes that would get easier.

Third lap done.

Phil also used to have him run laps. Around the field twice before training, and twice after. Once, after a good day, one where Phil must have been in a good mood, he ran with Techno. Techno had to slow down to stay at the same speed as him. A lot. But it was fun. Phil was laughing at some joke he made to Techno, one that had Techno turning away slightly so he couldn’t see his smile. On days where his commander is in a bad mood, Techno pretends he’s back in that field with Phil. He doesn’t find much comfort in his dad, but he does find some. And Techno thinks that's enough. The man's body is gone, along with the two officers.

Fourth lap done.

Techno comes to a stop at the end of the track, only allowing himself to catch his breath for a second, before standing at attention. It didn’t matter that he was the first to finish. Or that he was the first to recover. He did good, he thinks. Phil would be proud of him. He knew he would. He finished on time, and he was ready to train now. He knows Phil will be proud of him, because he di-

A slap cuts off his thought process. Oh, right.

(Hands shake his shoulders, a voice calls his name. But he can’t respond)

Techno sat in his cot, waiting for the lieutenant to give the ‘lights out’. The older man in the bunk above him shifted, and the creaking echoed through the silent room. “ Hey kid,” Techno didn’t respond. He never did. “ You hear what they did to commanding sergeant Dante?” The man paused, waiting for a response that he would never get. Techno didn’t know why he always tried to talk to him. After the first year of no response, you would expect him to give up. But sometimes the need to gossip was just too strong. It didn’t matter if no one was listening. “ Some kid in his group killed him with only his fists. Turns out he had been…” Techno zoned out, not wanting to hear the rest of that story. His focus instead went to the Lieutenant walking towards their bunk room and going straight to the lantern. “ But the kid, Dream, didn’t get in trouble. He got…” Techno could wish he could yell at the man to shut up. There was technically no rule against talking, so the man had every right. But Techno was tired. He didn’t even know the man's name, why was he trying to be friendly?

“ Lights out.” The lieutenant yelled, and the man quieted above him as the lanterns were put out. Techno breathed a sigh of relief and layed down in his cot, closing his eyes. The shifting above him told him the man did the same. Techno wished he would get a new bunk partner. It would be so much better if he shared a bed with someone quiet. Or no one at all. Techno went to bed that night, and he woke up in the morning with a sigh. He stood up and stood at attention at the foot of his bed, and waited for his bunk buddy to do the same.

The commanding officer walked in and immediately locked eyes with Techno, before glancing to the man still asleep in his bunk. The other soldier's eyes glanced over, and looked at him pitifully. Techno stood as still as he could, until the commanding officer glared at him again. “ Soldier, wake him up now.” Techno nodded, before turning around and shaking his bunk partner. He flinched back almost as soon as he touched him. The man was cold as ice. Cautiously, Techno put two fingers against his neck, feeling for a pulse. There was nothing.

He turned back towards the Commanding officer, pale as a ghost. “ He’s Dead, sir.” He’s seen death before, but it had never been so quiet. So quick. So easy. Techno would lie if he said he wasn’t jealous.

In the end, he did end up getting a more quiet bunk mate.

(“Techno, Techno listen to me-”)

It hurt. It hurt so much. Techno didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t scream or cry. He just sat there, trying not to move as a nurse put alcohol on his leg. Training had gotten rough today. His commander didn’t like his fighting style, saying it was sloppy and easily beatable. To prove it, he took out his sword and sliced it through the boy's calf. Techno didn’t even have a moment to react. Not a second to prepare or dodge. The commander rolled his eyes and said he shouldn’t have needed one. He left Techno there for several minutes as he talked to the rest of the group, before finally telling him to go to the infirmary.

Now he sat still as possible, biting his lip as the nurse stitched up his leg. It shouldn’t hurt that bad, he should be able to take it. He’s gotten hurt before, he’s always been able to handle it. Why did this one hurt so much more? He-he wanted to cry, or scream. But he knew that making noise isn’t allowed, and that's not even something he learned from Phil.

Phil never got mad at him for crying while taking care of wounds. But maybe that's because Techno was alone.

Finally, the nurse leaves, and Techno looks down. It's bad, he knows that. The blood is gone, but the cut is long and deep. He sits there for 10 minutes before he realizes he isn’t getting a bandage. They just don't have enough supplies for that. So he stands up, the stitches still visible as he walks out of the infirmary and back to his Commander, not letting him see the pain Techno was in.

He wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

In the end it's not Sam that snaps him out of it, but Carl. The horse nuzzles against him, and Techno blinks. Once. Twice. Three times. Before slowly turning his head to the horse, bringing his hand up to pet his snout.

Sam stands there, hopelessly. “ Techno-.”

“ It’s okay Sam.” He turns and gives the man a small smile. “ It’s my fault for not stopping when you told me to.”

The older man shakes his head, putting his hand on Technos shoulder. “ I-,” He sighed. “ Let’s just go home.” Techno nodded, and Sam turned and hopped on his horse. Techno hesitated, and Sam looked back. “ Tech?”

The younger man glanced up, before grabbing one of the blue cornflowers in Carl's mane and turning back to the sign. He kneeled down and carefully placed the flower among the others, some wilted, and some new. He bowed his head in respect. After all, someone did die that day. It may not have been the name on the sign, but it was countless others. Before and during this battle. Men and women on his side and on the others.

He stood back up and hopped on Carl, taking a deep breath. He led the horse out, eyes glancing at a worried Sam. He smiled lightly. “ I think we’re done for today.”

Sam relaxed slightly, nodding and leaving the side of the cliff. Techno followed, not glancing back at the burial sight.

It wasn’t his place to mourn the death of the child on that sign, but his job to mourn the ones who didn’t get one.

Chapter Text

“ Alright, what's next?” Techno smiled lightly, his grip on Carl's reins loose. It had been a few weeks of these little tours of the town with Tommy. Techno saw more of his old town in 3 weeks than he had his entire childhood. Tommy grinned, petting the horse and only half paying attention. Techno rolled his eyes, flicking the back of the kids head. “ Come on Theseus, at least try to act like you're not just here for Carl.”
Tommy rubbed the back of his head, turning around to face Techno with a sheepish smile on his face. “ Sorry Alex, I was just thinking. I think I’ve shown you all we have.”

Techno couldn't help the way his smile slipped a bit. “ Oh… right. Guess I forgot the town had an end.” He didn’t want to admit that maybe, just maybe, these little tours with Tommy were the highlight of his days now. He wanted to keep doing this, to keep learning about his brother he only just learned he had. Sure, it was nice learning about his old town, something he never got the chance to do when he was younger. But he wouldn’t lie and say that was the only reason he agreed to these hang outs.

Tommy must have noticed, cause he bit the inside of the cheek and looked away for a minute, clearly thinking. “ I-I mean there is one more place I could bring you.”

Techno smiled, before hesitantly handing Tommy the reins. “ Lead the way.” Tommy stared at them, before smiling brightly and shouting as he sped them up. Techno quickly grabbed onto the saddle, immediately regretting his decision to trust the little gremlin that was Tommy.

They ran past the houses, past the market, and past the library, all the way to where the woods began. Technos brows furrowed as they got further and further from civilization. “ Uh- Tommy, hate to break it to you but L’manburg is,” He pointed back behind them, “ that way.”

The boy in question just smiled, before slowly coming to a stop. There was no clearing, no difference in the woods here then anywhere else, but Tommy didn’t even hesitate, hopping off the horse and hurrying deeper into the trees, dodging and weaving the branches. “ Tommy!” Techno called, before sliding off Carl and quickly tying the reins onto a tree. “ I’ll be right back boy, stay right here.” He tried to follow Tommy, but the boy had a major headstart compared to him. “ Tommy, slow down. Tommy!” And just like that, he turned a corner and the kid was gone.

Techno froze, glancing around, trying to find him. He couldn’t help the slight shard of panic that sunk into his heart. “ Tommy? Where are you?” A giggle echoed around him, and Techno turned towards the tree next to him, noticing a hollowed hole near the base. He bent down near the trunk, and spotted a blonde curl, followed by big blue eyes. Tommy smiles widely, peeking out from his hiding spot.
“ You like it? I found it a few years ago. No one knows about it except for me, not even Wil.” Techno nodded, looking around. Unless you had heard Tommy like he had, there would have been no way Techno would have found him. This tree looked the same as all the others, if not just a little wider. It was the perfect hiding space.

Techno sat down outside the tree, before turning to Tommy. “ Why would you show me this? I- if no one else knows about it, why tell me?”

Tommy pauses, before shrugging, his smile wavering. “ I didn’t want our tours to end. Plus, you're gonna leave eventually anyway, why would it matter if you know or not?” And, oh, if that wasn't an accidental knife to the heart. Because it was true, Techno was leaving, and once again the existence of this hiding spot would be known by Tommy and Tommy alone. Somewhere, in between the weeks of riding around the village and joking with his younger brother, Techno forgot that he was, above all else, a traveler. And that in the end, travelers have to leave.

Techno leaned against the tree, allowing the weight of Tommy's words to rest over him. He glanced back at the tree. “ How did you find this place? It looks just like any old tree to me.” Tommy's face dropped and. Oh. There was a story there, wasn’t there? One that made even Tommy, the always cheery king, frown.

It struck like a lightning bold. Techno fully believed right there that that might be the worst thing in the world. Seeing a ball of sunshine dim.

“ I just,” The blonde hesitated, and Techno wished he had never asked, that he had never said anything that could harm the boy. “ I just stumbled upon it. Got lucky. Now I'm the undefeated king at hide and seek.” A joke. A deflection. A lie. But one that Techno would live with if it meant Tommy would smile again.

God, when had he gotten so sappy?

Techno stood up, his knees creaking beneath him. “ Alright runt, let's get back to Carl. I’m sure he’s lonely by hi-” Techno didn’t even finish before a blonde blur ran past him, screaming about how could he leave poor Carl alone? Techno chuckled, before following Tommy, a little slower than he needed to be. He studied the trees and path towards them, committing it to memory.

That way, in case Tommy ever wanted to play hide and seek, Techno would take his crown.

The ride back to Tommy's house was loud, as it always is with the boy. A million conversations in one, going to fast Techno found himself struggling to keep up sometimes. Tommy's smile never waivered, and that brief moment in the woods felt like a dream, something Techno's brain had conjured up, but he knew he didn’t. He knew that even a person as wonderful as Tommy went through pain.

They arrived at the house, and Techno couldn’t help how his hands tightened on the reins. He wasn’t nervous, but the memory of what happened there all those years ago still stuck in his head. The thought that it may happen again, or that he might have to go back to that field still made him want to run. To run to Sam and to never leave his arms. To cry and scream and never be seen again.

But all Techno did was tighten his grip on the reins, and wave Tommy goodbye.

His ride home seems quieter than usual, and even while riding with Sam later that night, he finds himself missing the blonde's constant talking. Sam gives him a look he can’t quite place when he brings it up to him. It’s something close to pride. They go to Ponk’s house that night and hang out with him while drinking what might be the best lemonade of Technos life. His smile only grows with how happy Sam looked on the way home.

He sleeps peacefully that night, wondering who decided that travelers had to travel. (Maybe travelers were allowed to settle down, after they found a place to call home.)