Work Text:
Technoblade wasn’t against people entering his place of work, but he was wary of the plethora of people who entered the library. In theory, it had been the ideal place to work. He didn’t need the money but he sure as hell needed the distraction, so the cosy library filled to the brim with books was exactly where he wanted to be. Most of the time he just sat at the desk reading, occasionally helping out the few who came in and had the balls to actually ask for recommendations.
It wasn’t his fault for not knowing that some people would just be outright obnoxious.
Phil, one of Techno’s friends from his cafe phase— which is where he’d sit in a cafe every week for 6 hours and take shots of espresso— visited every now and then. However, the old man would throw random items he found onto Techno’s desk and then sit in the corner in one of their plush chairs and read murder mysteries despite hating the intensity of them.
Then there was Wilbur. God. He met the man in college, a bit before the time he met Phil, and god the man was insufferable. He’d go out of his way to make little remarks about everything that was happening, somehow bringing in pop culture references to things that did not require it. Many of them went over his head but something about the way the man talked kept him captivated.
There was also the occasional teens who seemed terrified of him and the adults that judged him harshly in an ‘I-Know-More-Than-You’ way, despite them asking for his help. Sue him for being a bitch back, not like the owner of the library gave a shit.
Today it was mild. It was a Thursday night so the few who did pop in had left already. They were open for about another hour but by eight everyone was gone. He was basking in the silence, reading War and Peace, when the bell rang and the heavy door was shoved open with what must’ve been more effort than expected based off of the grunts.
Techno’s glasses fell to the end of his nose as he watched a teenager fall into the library, cursing out the heavy wooden door like it being heavy was a personal attack. He turned away, disregarding the ruckus, just for blonde hair to fall over his pages as the teenager now got all up in his personal space. Techno let out a screech, both stiff arming the intruder and leaning the chair way too far back causing both of them to hit their floor on opposite sides of the desk.
“For fu- god,” Techno scowled and pushed himself up, picking up the book that had also taken a disastrous fall. Well, it was fine, but he did lose his page. “Do you need something?” He asked when he was upright. The kid, however, remained on the ground staring at the ceiling like he was ready to go into the light.
“When I fell, I thought I was going to die,” the kid began dramatically. “But then, my back hit the floor and it felt like every single vertebrae actually set into place. You might’ve just single-handedly fixed my posture.” The blonde stares at him with glittering blue eyes but Techno could sense the slight mocking undertone in his voice. He rolled his eyes and rounded the desk, offering a hand to the floor-ridden guy. He accepted it and Techno pulled him up with ease. The teen truly was as lanky as he thought if plucking him off the ground like that was like lifting an actual child.
“Well, sorry, and you’re welcome,” Techno eyed the kid who gave a solemn nod. “Do you need any help? Feel free to say no.”
“Tech-no-blade?” Tommy read his nametag. “That’s a fucking weird ass name. I got this friend named Ranboo, though… and Tubbo. They’ve got weird names. Maybe you should meet them and make a support group or something.” The teen would not shut up, it seemed. However, when Techno didn’t immediately respond to his ranting the kid sunk in on himself making Techno feel only a tiny bit bad for being a bit cold.
Only a bit.
“It’s pronounced as one word: Technoblade. And my name is fine, your friends’ names are fine, but mine is cooler.” Techno shrugged, leaving the kid to return to his chair that he had only a minute ago fallen out of.
“Well, my name is Tommy, Mr. Blade,” Tommy introduced himself and leaned his elbows on the dark wooden desk. “I’m in a bit of a pickle, yeah? Apparently I’m supposed to know all about this bitch— sorry, language— this piece of garbage named Theseus? He’s some Greek dude and you look like someone who read Percy Jackson. Please fill me in.” Techno’s eyes narrowed at the astute observation, pushing his glasses up as he judged the kid openly. He had his hands in his pocket but somehow kept an open presence, he leaned way too far over the counter, probably due to the fact that Techno was openly standing as far away as socially acceptable.
“You want a book on Theseus? Or you want me to explain Theseus to you?” Techno drawled out, eyeing his discarded book before turning his full interest to Tommy.
“Are you American?” Tommy blurted out and Techno raised an eyebrow. “And why is your hair pink?”
“Ok, no need to stay on topic. But, uh, yes, I’m American. I moved here for college. And my hair is pink naturally,” Techno fibbed easily and Tommy’s eyes widened again before he reached forward.
“Woah! Really?” Tommy grabbed for Techno‘s braid but he slapped the teen’s hand away before he could touch it.
“No, it’s obviously dyed.” Techno rolled his eyes and leveled him with a stern look. “Now answer my original question.”
“Well, I don’t really enjoy reading. It’s not bad, don’t get me wrong, Mr. Librarian,” Tommy quickly added when he realized that perhaps he shouldn’t shit talk reading in a library. “I would like it more if I could just sit and read. I get too antsy, though. Gotta move my limbs or I’ll die, probably.” Tommy demonstrated by kicking his legs out. Techno sighed and rubbed his forehead with his fingers, trying to work out the wrinkles forming.
“So you want me to tell you?” Techno reiterated and the teen stopped shaking out his limbs. Suddenly, the boisterous kid shrunk back in on himself and wrung his hands together.
“I mean, if you wouldn’t mind. So, uh, if it’s okay with you, could ya?” Tommy’s voice dropped in volume, raising a bit with what Techno assumed was nerves. It’s something he was familiar with and so he offered a small half smile. It seemed to work and his posture straighter back out.
“Yeah, I can tell you the story,” Techno said and before he could figure out a place to sit, the boy had jumped up onto the desk, crossing his legs and staring like a child actually eager to learn. Techno stared for a moment before settling back down into his desk chair. “I’m going to let that slide because nobody else is here and I frankly am too bored to care.” Then, he dove into the story of Theseus.
——
The next time Tommy came in, Techno already had a guest annoying the living hell out of him.
“Phil, I don’t want this!” Techno was evidently exasperated as he held a small flying pig figurine in his hand. The other man laughed, crows feet forming next to his eyes as they filled with glee.
Tommy’s presence was announced with cusses followed by the bell of the door. Tommy once again heaved after the door closed behind him before straightening up and heading straight for the desk. Techno fixed his posture, raising an eyebrow at the teen.
“Hello, Mr. Blade! And you, strange fella, hello,” Tommy greeted and immediately went to climb onto the desk but Techno hissed, pushing him off.
“I said not if people were here! I don’t want ol’ Puffy to get on my case because some child is doing parkour around the library,” Techno warned and Tommy scowled as he stood on the ground like a normal person. Phil eyed the kid before casting a confused glance to Technoblade. “Oh, uh, Phil, this is Tommy. I don’t know why he’s here and I’m not friends with him. Tommy, this is Phil. He’s been my friend for a few years now, quite a pain. He’s also elderly.” Techno introduced them and Phil gave him a scandalized gasp.
“Fuck you. I’m not even that old! Pleasure to meet you, mate.” Phil held out a hand to shake and Tommy eyed it confused before adjusting the hand for a high five. When their hands slapped together Phil just simply stared at his hand before lowering it. “Techno, where the fuck did you find this kid?”
“I’m not a kid!” Tommy cut in, furious at such an accusation.
“Yeah, then how old are you?” Techno taunted and Tommy scoffed.
“Age is just a number!”
“That is a weird thing to say in this context.”
“Fine! I’m seventeen. Practically an adult, if you squint,” Tommy defended himself, crossing his arms self consciously over his chest. Techno shook his head at the attitude change and looked back to Phil, planning on continuing their conversation. Phil didn’t seem to be on the same page.
“Oh, you are a kid,” Phil said, but quickly added on, “I mean adult,” when he realized that Tommy was putting his hands up like he was about to fight. Phil laughed, leaning on the counter to once again eye Techno.
“Tommy, do you need something?” Techno cut in, wincing at the sharp tone in his voice. Tommy also seemed to falter a bit but quickly recovered, a blinding smile on his face.
“Yes! I appreciated story time last time I was here, Mr. Blade, but I’m apparently in an art class and I need to make a sculpture. I need all the information about the, uh, physics of wings you’ve got!” Tommy pointed a finger at Techno, urging him to spill all the earthly knowledge in his head. Techno’s eyes narrowed and he turned his head to Phil who was absolutely beaming.
“What kind of bird wing?” Phil asked.
“A crow. Smart little fuckers, yeah? Used to hangout with them at a park so thought I might as well do one I’m more familiar with.” Tommy shrugged. His enthusiasm died out as he explained his ideas and Techno immediately stood up and rounded around the desk.
“Crows are cool, talk to Phil about them while I find some books,” Techno said before leaving the two to their own devices. He eyed a shelf, looking for one about the physical structure of birds, looking to the side to watch Tommy talking animatedly while Phil nodded along with a soft smile. At least they weren’t fighting or something.
Techno paused his thoughts, staring down at the book in his hands. It didn’t matter if they fought, he wasn’t friends with the kid. They just talked for an hour… maybe more since he technically stayed past closing… and Techno also walked the kid to the bus stop. Okay, maybe he didn’t hate the kid, and maybe he saw a lot of traits that he recognized from his younger self. Some of the traits that really, really sucked to deal with.
He grabbed another book, walking back over to join the two.
“—and she fucking pecked me! That bitch! Anyways, I saved her and named her Clementine and she hangouts with me sometimes.” Tommy finished his story, a soft look in his eyes as he stared off into the distance. Techno cleared his throat as he neared them, giving them both a weak smile as he began checking the books out for him. He grabbed Tommy’s library card but paused as he stared at the name.
“Wait, wait, Tommy— your full name is Theseus?” Techno asked and Tommy’s face went bright red. Luckily Techno already scanned the card because it was snatched out of his hand before he could blink.
“Shut up! I didn’t name myself and my teacher is the shithead who thought it’d be funny if I researched the dude I was named after.” Tommy’s voice was borderline whiny but he had a slight fire to his eyes.
“Bit of a sad story to be named after,” Techno offered, surprised to see the sad look in Tommy’s eyes when their gazes met.
“Yeah, it is, innit?” Tommy muttered with a frown before fixing his smile. “Anyways, thanks for the books, they look great!” Tommy hadn’t even looked at the books.
“Toms—”
“See you later, Techno!” Tommy called as he raced out of the library, struggling with the door for a second before it shut loudly behind him. Phil stood with his mouth slightly open as he processed the interaction.
“The fuck was that?” Phil asked incredulously.
“I-I’m not sure, Phil,” Techno answered honestly.
——
Tommy was seated on the library desk, waiting for the return of Techno from the backroom. He sighed as it took more than thirty seconds for him to return and now splayed out on the counter, closing his eyes and cherishing the cold feel of the wood. He hadn’t been sleeping well, but for some reason the wood desk was like the softest bed in the world to him.
Techno stood in the doorway of the back room, staring at the child who had taken up all the space he had to work. The only sign he was alive was the shaky movements of his chest that indicated breathing. Techno rolled his shoulders, looking around the library and nodding to himself when he saw no other patrons.
It was once again late at night and he honestly had not idea why the kid was even here. He was evidently exhausted and came into the library with no book requests. Perhaps it did warm Techno’s heart when he realized Tommy just wanted to hangout with him, but he had a reputation to uphold— one the kid was currently destroying.
Before Techno could even attempt to disturb the peace, the library door was opened with far too much vigor to reveal the only man dramatic enough to do that type of shit at eight at night.
“Wilbur,” Techno nodded his head, keeping his voice low. Wilbur didn’t get the message.
“Technoblade!” Wilbur yelled. Techno grimaced, giving him the benefit of the doubt in assuming Wilbur already knew there weren’t really people in the library to annoy. He wasn’t foolish, though. He knew Wilbur was just blissfully unaware of his volume.
“Shut up,” Techno snapped. Watching as Tommy moved a bit, his eyes opening up and immediately assessing the situation.
“Oi, fucker!” Tommy grouched as soon as his eyes landed on Wilbur. “It’s a library, innit? Shut up, lanky bitch.” Tommy scowled and laid back down, closing his eyes. Wilbur widened his eyes at the language but quickly broke out into a mischievous smile.
“It is a library, which means you also can’t be yelling every cuss word you know at the top of your lungs, you child,” Wilbur snarked back, standing next to the desk with his hands on his hips. Techno rolled his eyes, finally nearing the two of them.
“Yeah but I’m obviously cooler since I’m on the desk, yeah? That means I’m better than you in every way, shape, and form. Now, scurry along beanpole, I have a nap to take.” Tommy shooed the man away, not even opening his eyes.
“So,” Wilbur turned his attention to Techno, “this is the kid who keeps bothering you?” Techno raised an eyebrow, watching how Tommy’s breathing stilled for a second before his eyes flew open and he sat up to be face to face with Wilbur.
“I’ll have you know, dunce face, that I am seventeen-whole-fucking-years old! You and your receding hairline are probably fucking forty, though,” Tommy snapped back indignantly, but he still had a soft playful undertone. Wilbur grinned at Tommy, finding amusement in the quick comebacks and the way he easily bounced off the man.
“You aren’t denying the bothering part,” Wilbur pointed out and Tommy’s mouth lifted in a way that looked like he was ready to bite but quickly clenched his jaw. He muttered a few insults before sliding off the desk.
“If I was a bother, I think Mr. Blade would fucking tell me, yeah?” Tommy said looking to Techno with what was almost a concerned expression. God, he actually looked like a child.
“You make him call you Mr. Blade? You’re, like, only five years older than him!” Wilbur laughed and slapped his knee. Techno released an exasperated sigh and shrugged.
“Told him not too. He won’t stop, though,” Techno defended himself and Tommy just glared.
“I do what I want. Lizzy would support me and my ways without a second thought!”
“Lizzy?” Techno echoed.
“The Queen, idiot,” Tommy clarified with an eye roll and Techno pursed his lips.
“So you call me, a librarian, a formal name, and you call Queen Elizabeth, the Queen, by an informal nickname?” Techno could feel the grey hairs forming, already taking over the brown roots starting to shine through his dye job.
“Well me and Liz go way back,” Tommy explained, once again positioning himself to be draped over the counter, but not back on it.
“It’s— nevermind,” Techno held back his grammar correction. “I don’t wanna ask, either.” Wilbur nodded at Techno’s remark. Tommy muttered to himself again, leaning away from the desk. He turned away with an unnerving expression and marched off to the bookshelves to find why he most likely actually came to the library for.
“Is he okay? Kinda just got spacey, there,” Wilbur inquired, pushing himself up to sit on the desk. Techno leaned forward, resist his elbows on the wood and his chin on his hands.
“Don’t look at me, I’m not his babysitter,” Techno mumbled, watching as the kid sat on the ground in an aisle and began reading the description of a few books, mouthing along with the words.
Wilbur laughed loudly, momentarily drawing Tommy’s attention who just flipped the man off before grabbing a new book to judge. The brunette pat Techno’s head and gave him a look that made him glare. Why was he looking at him with that soft look?
“You care, that’s so adorable,” Wilbur teased with twinkling eyes. Before Techno could snap back, Tommy stood up and began approaching the desk. Techno hoped the kid hadn’t heard the absolute B.S. that Wilbur had been spewing and gave a small nod to the teen.
“I’ve got a book!” Tommy slammed it down on the desk, startling the shit out of Wilbur but Techno didn’t flinch. Tommy did this every time.
“Wonderful,” Techno said, picking up the book and staring. He felt his lips raise into a small smile as he stared at the book. “Didn’t know you were a fan of Leo.” He pointed to the title which read: War and Peace. It was the book he was reading the first day Tommy came in and annoyed him. It had been a few months since then and Tommy visited at least twice a week now, something Techno had come to accept as routine.
“I— well, you see— ok, shut up. Don’t look at me like that.” Tommy took in his signature scowl at the proud look on Techno’s face.
“Hey, hey, I’m not saying anything,” Techno scanned the book and then the plastic library card. “Honestly, you’re sort of impressive. You go through books like they’re nothing, and, based off our conversations, you retain everything about them. When you told me you didn’t like reading I thought you meant it. I think you just needed to read what you were interested in. Good job, kid, I’m proud of the growth.” Techno paused his action of handing back the book when he realized what he said. He was praising the teen.
Carefully, Techno raised his eyes to meet Tommy’s surprised to see the awe in his eyes. Tommy was looking at him like Techno hung the stars or some shit. Definitely an overreaction to the basic-level of appreciation but still Techno felt heat rise in his cheeks.
“I’m not a kid,” Tommy responds stupidly, his own face sort of red. “And thank you. I used to read a lot as a kid but it got difficult after a while. Thank you for helping me actually enjoy it.” Tommy gave a soft smile, waving to both of the men before leaving the library (not without his usual cuss words to the door).
The two stood in silence before Wilbur whipped his head around to stare in wonder at Techno.
“Oh my god, you actually see him as a friend. Maybe even a brother! You’ve got a brother! You always talked about how you wanted a younger brother. I know you see me as an older brother because I’m so amazing and mature—“
“Shut up!” Techno groaned in embarrassment. “Do you think he’s never gonna come back?” Techno asked weakly and Wilbur stared at him for a while trying to figure out if he was serious, before scoffing.
“Of course he’s gonna come back! Did you see him? He was practically vibrating with excitement! Based off the looks of it I don’t think he’s ever gonna leave you alone. I think you’re stuck with him.” Wilbur nodded solemnly but he struggled to hide the smile that wanted to crack through his demeanor.
“Well, he’s not that bad,” Techno muttered, remembering clearly just how happy the kid was. “He’s got a lot of energy but that’s not that bad.” Wilbur leveled him with a look.
“You hate when I’m energetic.”
“No,” Techno corrected. “I just hate you.” Wilbur gasped dramatically before both of them broke out into laughter.
——
It was raining. Techno liked the rain, it was a nice background noise as he cleaned the library. It was ten minutes from closing and it had been thirty minutes since anybody showed up. Tommy hadn’t shown up yet this week and it was already Thursday, but Techno didn’t want to be overbearing and reach out using the number that Tommy had given him.
“Here, take this,” Tommy had said, handing him a piece of paper with chicken scratch on it.
“This is… a grocery list?”
“Shit wrong one,” Tommy cursed and searched his pockets, trading the paper out for a new one. “This is my number, in case you miss me or want a book recommendation or need to find some ladies.” Tommy had said and then immediately sprinted out of the library like he didn’t want Techno to have the chance to decline it. He had immediately added the contact to his phone.
So, here he was now, ready to send a text message, when the door opened slowly and Tommy fell into the library. While the general situation was similar to what usually happened, a lot of things were very off.
One, Tommy was drenched.
Two, Tommy looked like he was about to pass out.
Three, he was silently moving to Techno. The silence was terrifying.
“Oh, god. Tommy? Ok, come here,” Techno rushed over to help lead him to a chair. Was the chair getting wet? Yes. Did Techno honestly give a fuck about the stupid chair? No. So, he sat the kid down, helping him take off the soaked coat despite the protests and disappeared to get towels and blankets.
When he returned, the kid had his head buried in his hands and his shoulders were shaking. Techno made his steps heavier than necessary to alert Tommy of his arrival and carefully handed him a towel, watching as the kid raised his red blotchy face from his hands to eye the material.
“Toms,” Techno kneeled in front of the kid. “You know I appreciate your visits, but you shouldn’t sacrifice your health for me.” Tommy slowly nodded before shaking his head.
“No, I’m sorry I’m here. I just, shit, I just didn’t have a place to go to at the moment so I thought, whatever,” Tommy stumbled over his words, gripping the towel tighter and tighter.
“No, it’s okay. Let’s dry you off before we talk about anything,” Techno’s voice grew higher in panic as Tommy began sniffling. “Are you sick? Are you injured? How long were you out there?” Techno drowned Tommy in questions and helped him dry off.
“Techno, you’re freaking out. Please start breathing,” Tommy chuckled tensely as he gave a comforting tap to the man’s shoulder.
“Clothes. Clothes,” was all Techno muttered before he ran off again, leaving Tommy to dry his hair in confusion. When Techno returned, he held clothes in his hands. He tapped his foot anxiously as Tommy finished drying his hair, accepting the clothes in slight confusion before heading to the bathroom to change.
When he disappeared, Techno took out his phone, hovering anxiously over his his messages before tapping the contact.
Techno: Phil, Toms just showed up in the rain absolutely drenched and crying.
Phil: wtf
Techno: Yeah, what do I do?
Phil: im not sure??? maybe get more info first and then if ur not sure just text me or wil
Techno: Sure, I’ll keep you updated.
Phil: sounds good, good luck m8 love u
Techno hesitated.
Techno: Love you too.
He put his phone away the moment he heard the bathroom door opened and almost wheezed at the way Tommy stood glaring at Techno in the Star Wars shirt and neon green sweatpants.
“You really gave me the ugliest shit you had,” Tommy frowned and walked back to Techno who didn’t quite crack a smile as he fell back into serious mode. “I don’t need a lecture, Techno.” Tommy sat in a new chair; one that wasn’t wet.
“I’m not going to lecture you,” Techno spoke carefully. “I wanna make sure you’re okay. I do have other questions, but let’s just make sure you are doing okay right now.” Techno picked the towel up and began properly drying Tommy’s hair which was dripping onto his face obnoxiously.
“Fine, whatever, shoot away,” Tommy scowled but his shoulder relaxed and he leaned into Techno’s touch.
“Why were you out there?”
“I was coming home from a guy’s house, he was being a real dick to me and so I told him to, y’know, shove it where the sun doesn’t shine and then he just— it doesn’t matter, does it?” Tommy stared at the ground his body going limp in the chair. Techno stopped drying Tommy’s hair to fix him with a stern look.
“Tommy, you don’t have to tell me if you really don’t want to,” Techno began, “but I need you to know that I’m there for you. I also have four years of boxing under my belt and I have two years of sword fighting.” Techno grinned when he saw the spark return in Tommy’s eyes at the new knowledge but urged Tommy to explain.
“Fine, you nosy bitch.” The words held no malice. “It’s some bitch named Dream, alright? He’s got a dumbass name so I gave him some shit and he just, I don’t know, started getting more and more pissed and when I told him to just chill the fuck out he— fuck.” Tommy’s throat tightened as he felt the tears coming on.
“It’s okay, Toms,” Techno comforted softly, trying to push away his own anxiety.
“Well, he went on about how my parents don’t love me and that’s why they fucking left,” Tommy finally admitted and Techno’s chest tightened. “He said they didn’t want some needy and clingy child so they got up and left me. It was years ago but it still hurts, y’know? They were still my parents, even if I haven’t seen them in so long. And, is he right? Yeah, still a shit thing to say.” Tommy’s voice began faltering and Techno noticed the new tears welling in his eyes and opened up his arms. Tommy did not hesitate to dive into them.
“This Dream sounds like a real dick,” Techno muttered. “And that’s a real shit situation; all of it. I’m sorry about all of it, truly.”
Tommy sniffled. “It’s okay, really. Yeah, it sucks, but I’ve moved on. But some asshole bringing it up like that got to me, and it really shouldn’t after all this time.” Techno’s eyebrows furrowed and he held the kid closer.
“There is no reason to not be upset over some dude being a scumbag. You’re always allowed to be upset. And, if you want, I’ll always be here to comfort you. Or kill someone. Whichever you prefer.” Techno joked lightly and his heart raised at the shaking of the kids shoulder as he laughed. Eventually Tommy stilled after Techno continued to tell him comforting words and they pulled away.
“Sorry about this,” Tommy rubbed his red eyes. “I’m effectively ruining both of our reputations.” Techno grinned and offered the blankets to the teen so that he could try to retain some heat now that he was no longer taking up Techno’s.
“Yeah, yeah, my reputation can take a break right now.” Techno’s eyes ran over Tommy’s face, trying to figure out what to say next. “Toms?”
“Mmm, yeah?” Tommy looked up with tired eyes.
“Is it, uh, safe at your house?” Techno asked carefully. Tommy squinted before nodding.
“Yeah, I’m safe. I’m almost eighteen so it’s a temporary home, really. I had been in a foster home for a while before this one, but I was getting too bullied at school and they decided I needed a big switch of scenery, or something.” Tommy shrugged, his nonchalant tone throwing Techno off but he quickly recovered.
“Well, as long as you’re safe.” Techno squeezed Tommy’s arm. “And I know that emotionally it can be taxing, so know that you’ve got me whenever you need. Give me your phone.” He added the last part as an afterthought, almost rolling his eyes at how quickly the teen handed his phone over. He quickly entered his own contact and handed it back.
“Oh my god, did I just get The Blade’s number?” Tommy gasped and Techno raised an eyebrow.
“The Blade?”
“Oh yeah. I’ve heard all about the rowdy college student who got into multiple fist fights his first year there. Also about when you locked yourself into the intercom room and played the Wii Shop music on repeat because someone you hated said they hated the song. I know all about your evil deeds, Tech,” Tommy laughed as Techno groaned and buried his face in his hands.
“Was if Phil or Wil?”
“Mix of both, big man,” Tommy admitted and grinned. “But back on topic. Thank you. It’s nice to know I’ve got someone. I have friends at school but they’re my age, y’know? I don’t have a lot of like, god I don’t wanna say this, role models.” Techno’s face lit up like fireworks and Tommy instantaneously dropped into a scowl.
“Tommy,” Techno’s voice was all soft and it pissed Tommy off. “You know your practically family to me, right? Like Wilbur and Phil? I’ll let you in on a secret, yeah?”
“Yes, yes, I love secrets.” At Tommy’s excitement, Techno sighed.
“I have a feeling this secret will be disappointing now. Anyways, I was emancipated at sixteen and I threw myself into school. I graduated early and I fucking left the country. I cared so little about family and, honestly, it destroyed me. As you sort of know by some, er, questionable outbursts I had. Then I met Wil and later Phil and they helped. I needed their support and we all needed our own little family.” Techno tried to gage Tommy’s reaction but he seemed to just be thinking.
“You don’t hate me right now?” Tommy asked after brief silence, and Techno, obviously, panicked.
“What? No! Oh my god, no! Why—”
“And if I say something now, perhaps pertaining to my health, you aren’t going to hate me?”
“Of course not, Theseus, I just want to help you,” Techno reiterated calmly. Tommy broke out into a wide grin.
“Great! Because I’m very, incredibly, and undoubtedly sick!” Tommy announced proudly and Techno stared at him, his usual deadpan expression returning.
“How long have you been sick?” Techno anxiously pulled at his hair before pressing his hand against Tommy’s forehead and frowning at the warmth.
“Like, two days. Maybe three, I’m not sure. I can’t count and you know that.” Tommy pointed an accusing finger at Techno who just sighed.
“Dear god, I’m going to kill you and then myself,” he joked lightly before disappearing to go get medicine for the kid. At least he was finally sharing the issues, that was all Techno could ask for.