Archive of Our Own ^beta

Tommy was raised in the slums. So getting his hands dirty was only to be expected. So, when his knees were scraped and bloody, and his hands had done things that shouldn't even be thought of, Tommy thought it was only to be expected.

It was December. Tommy breathed out, watching the air fog with bright eyes. He was shaking, but his mind had long ago pushed it away. He smiled, eyes crinkling with excitement.

Winter and Tommy had a love-hate relationship. While Tommy adored being filled with childish wonder as he danced through white hills of pure snow, he knew his clothes weren't built for the cold winter nights, and he'd often be left turning purple.

Occasionally, bystanders would pity the poor boy and get him a warm drink, which Tommy was thankful for, don't get him wrong, but hot chocolate can only do so much when the blistering cold nights got below 0.

Tommy shivered slightly as his bare, red hands picked up some snow and began to form it into a ball. His nose was pink, and his eyes were a bit misty from the cold, but it didn't bother him. Instead, he focused on the task at hand.

After Tommy had a fair share of snowballs, he quickly ran to a large tree near the park sidewalk, his tiny legs trudging through the deep snow and hid behind it. The tree was just large enough to cover his slim body. Every winter, on the first day, Tommy had made it a tradition to throw the first snow at people. This, at times, would get Tommy an earful, but he found it funny nonetheless.

Tommy waited patiently for his unsuspecting victim, peeking his head out from the tree. Then, as if scripted, a man with long pink hair was jogging up. He looked fancy, wearing a long trench coat and something Tommy had only seen in movies. Tommy almost felt bad for what he was about to do, keyword, almost.

Tommy gripped a snowball with a smirk and reeled his hand back, timing it perfectly before throwing it. He watched as it made direct contact with the tall man's face and giggled at the gasp that escaped his lips. However, that surprised expression didn't take long to turn to anger. Tommy couldn't help but freeze at the face, eyes widening as the man sharpened and began looking around.

He quickly turned and hid behind the tree, covering his mouth so as not to make any noises. Tommy had, of course, seen angry adults, but this one was terrifying, and Tommy couldn't help but shudder at his angry expression.

He was tall, as previously mentioned, which was one thing that scared Tommy. His bubble gum pink hair definitely lowered the intimidation scale, but his posture and face reminded Tommy of his dad.

After a few seconds, Tommy shakily breathed out and went to look behind the tree, back towards the sidewalk, only to bump his face into a pair of legs. Tommy froze and began to look up slowly. A rather not impressed man stared down at him, his face no longer had snow from the snowball on it anymore, but his hair was covered.

Tommy's wide eyes made direct contact with the glare pointed at him. Tommy swallowed thickly and stood up, backing away slightly.
The snow was up to Tommy's knees, and it was hard to walk, but he quickly turned and began to struggle through the snow, trying to run away. Needless to say, he didn't get very far before two large hands snaked themselves underneath his arms and picked him up.

Tommy shut his eyes tightly, instinctively curling up and bringing his knees to his chest. He felt himself be pressed against a warm surface, and slowly, he opened his eyes and looked up at the man nervously. He still didn't look very impressed but was much calmer. "Where are your parents, brat?" The man asked. He had a baritone and monotone voice. It was kind of cool! Tommy really liked it. After getting a closer look, Tommy couldn't help but stare in amazement at the cool scars on the stranger's face.
His mom had told him to be aware of strangers, never to trust them, and this man was the scariest of all the strangers, but he also reminded Tommy a bit of the villain in his favourite tv shows. "You there?" The man suddenly asked, snapping Tommy out of it. The diminutive boy nodded shyly.

"Daddy and mommy are gone," Tommy stated, he was cold, but the warm chest felt so hot that Tommy felt dizzy. He wasn't used to the warmth. It was unfamiliar and sickening. Tommy hated it, but at the same time, he didn't want it to go away. He desired to stay close and stop shaking.

Tommy stared at the man as his eyes sharpened once again, inspecting Tommy like an eagle. Finally, Tommy tilted his head slightly and gently reached his small pale hand up, slapping the man on the cheek. "Are you okay, mister?" Tommy asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"My name is Technoblade." The man- Technoblade suddenly stated, and Tommy nodded in acknowledgement. "How old are you, kid?" Tommy felt a bit overwhelmed at the questions the man kept asking. Tommy glanced down, curling up a bit tighter. "Mommy said not to tell strangers my age."

The man frowned deeply at this. Tommy flinched and, with a bratty tone, suddenly stated. "Let me go, or I'll bite you." Technoblade let out a 'bruh.' and rolled his eyes. "You're coming with me."

Tommy's eyes widened. Was he being kidnapped? Suddenly, he flared in Technoblade's arms, trying to scream, but only harsh yelps escaped. His voice was too weak and too hoarse to shout correctly, and the park was nearly empty, so he was sure that this was just a waste of his energy.

Tommy teared up, leaning forward and biting Technoblade sharply on the shoulder. Then, when a bitter iron taste filled Tommy's mouth, he pulled away and spat out the maroon liquid on his lips. Technoblade tossed Tommy to the ground, and the smaller yelped at the sudden impact, his back hitting the dirt sharply. The snow helped but didn't completely stop the blunt force of the ground from hitting him.

"What the fuck?" Technoblade let out, which was the most emotion Tommy had heard from the man yet. Again, he watched as he quickly gripped his bloody shoulder. Then, again, Tommy scrambled up and began running through the thick snow, this time much more efficiently. His head start benefited him greatly. It took a few seconds for Technoblade to recover, but once he did, he began storming through the snow quite quickly.

Tommy was terrified. There was nowhere to hide or run. It was just a field of snow and trees. His legs were cold, and the more he ran, the looser his shoe got on his foot. "KID! I'm just trying to help you!" The man shouted at Tommy, and Tommy shook his head. "That's what a kidnapper would say!" The boy exclaimed back, his throat sore and his voice panicky.

Tommy noticed the fence had a gap just big enough for him to fit through, which the strange man wouldn't be able to. So he made a dash for it, huffing harshly. He was cold and tired. Why did this have to happen today? He knew throwing snow at people wasn't precisely commendable but was it really deserving of being kidnapped?

He reached his arm out and hooked it on the fence, about to go through when suddenly someone grabbed him by the shirt and tugged him back. Tommy struggled. He's so close! His shoe tumbled off in the fight, and he harshly cut his leg on the fence when being tackled away. Blood dripped into the snow, turning the once blinding white a deep red. Tommy yelped and choked out a sob. He didn't want to get hurt. He wanted his mom and dad.

Technoblade simply sighed and lifted the boy up again. He hated kids, and this is why. Sure, he could have just left the kid in the snow, but he wasn't a monster. After being bitten, he almost wished he did, but the small blonde boy was a bit like a feral raccoon and reminded Technoblade quite a bit of his brother. It reminded Technoblade of the days back when he was on the street, fending for himself and his older brother. Winters were harsh, and the child seemed so small and young in front of him. Technoblade wouldn't wish it upon anyone. "Let me buy you some food," Technoblade commanded, and Tommy shook fearfully but eventually nodded. The offer of food soothed him. Of course, being kidnapped wasn't preferable, but his stomach grumbled in want and forced him to remain still.

Technoblade glanced at the cut on Tommy's leg. He'd have to help bandage that. It was his own fault, after all. Compared to Tommy, Technoblade had no trouble walking through the snow and Tommy couldn't help but wonder how he didn't manage to catch the blonde sooner. "Tommy..." The blonde suddenly muttered. Technoblade looked down at him with a raised eyebrow. "My name is Tommy," Tommy repeated, and Technoblade grunted in acknowledgement, not feeling the need to speak.

Tommy was hesitant, but his leg hurt, and it was too hard to struggle and too cold. He was so tired. He just wanted to close his eyes and sleep forever. Technoblade was so warm that Tommy couldn't help but lean in. It reminded Tommy of his dad. Tommy just wanted to go home. He didn't care if his parents didn't love him. He missed the warmth. He wouldn't ask for any more Christmas presents, and he'd tell Santa to give his gifts to his mom and dad instead. He'd be a good boy!

He wouldn't cry when they hit him or complain when he was hungry. He'd be quiet too! Tommy missed sleeping on a bed, taking showers or having clean clothes, no matter how ripped they were. He missed cuddling his mom.

Tommy didn't mean to be a bad boy. He wished his mom and dad would give him a second chance, and he didn't want to fight anymore. He just wanted to be okay. Unfortunately, Tommy couldn't help but tear up in Technoblade's arms, and when the older noticed, he instantly flinched. Technoblade was not in the mood to deal with a crying child. He sighed harshly with a frustrated expression. Was this a mistake?

Technoblade was going to bring the kid to Niki's bakery, but after the boy had hurt himself, he decided it was best to take him back to Phil and Wilbur. He knew they'd cling onto the boy instantly. Especially Philza, he was always weak to children. Especially ones with big round eyes. Technoblade chuckled at the thought.

When Phil had adopted Wilbur and him, it had been in a situation a lot similar to this. Wilbur and Technoblade were cuddled up in an alleyway during a frigid December night. Wilbur's head was bleeding, and although Techno wouldn't show it, he was panicking. They were young and had no money. Even if they wanted to, they couldn't get any medical help, especially without legal guardians.

Wilbur eventually leaned against Techno, and Techno him. They were tired and hurting. Techno had given up honestly, and with the way Wilbur's breathing had softened, he was sure his twin had too. Being on the streets was not kind to children. Techno didn't want Wilbur to die; he'd feel burdened with guilt for the rest of his life. After all, he was like this because of him.

They tried to steal bread earlier, and Technoblade had stupidly pulled a knife on the much larger man. He did not like that and began chasing the twins. Of course, Techno did have a knife, but he was scared. It was only when they were cornered in an alleyway had it dawned on Technoblade that he'd most likely need to use the serrated blade.

Technoblade pressed his back against the wall, but Wilbur had stupidly tried to stand his ground. The man shoved Wilbur harshly, hitting his head against the wall. Technoblade saw this, and admittingly, he saw red. He stabbed his dull knife into the man's leg, receiving a shout of pain before he, too, was slammed into the same wall. He slid down it in despair, only to receive a sharp kick to the stomach followed by several curses.
Techno let out a choked whine when his breath was ripped away from his chest, but he still got back up and began attacking the guy, biting into his arms and legs and trying to pull his knife out.

Needless to say, the ten-year-old boy was no match for the thirty-year-old man, and he was left with a split lip and black eye. He sat next to Wilbur, whose head he just noticed had begun to bleed a harsh smelling maroon. Techno wanted to cry, but he needed to be strong. He wasn't allowed to cry, he had to be someone Wilbur could lean on, but when a soft cry escaped Wilbur's lips as he leaned against Techno, Techno couldn't keep the warm tears from falling.

They were tired. Techno was dizzy. Maybe this was it. This was the end. They could just let hypothermia get them. Sure, it'd be slow, but...

Techno, admittingly, wished for death. Death would be better than dealing with this every day. At least, that was what Techno had initially thought before two black wings had blocked the setting sun. Techno slowly looked up and saw an avian man with an upset but confused expression. "What the-" His sentence paused when Wilbur looked at him with his big doe eyes, the man swallowed thickly, and the rest was history.

Phil had adopted them both ten years ago. Technoblade and Wilbur were both twenty now, and Philza was thirty-three. Techno found it a bit funny. He was only three years younger than Phil was when he brought them home, and now he, himself, was carrying a child home.

He assumed the saying 'the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree' had some truth to it after all.

The kid looked an awful lot like Phil, and Techno could feel two nubs on his back, leading him to believe Tommy was also an avian. Honestly, it was impressive how much Tommy looked like a young Phil. He was sure Phil would get a kick out of it.

Although, blonde hair and blue eyes weren't too uncommon with the Avian race.

Technoblade's heart wept at seeing the young boy shivering in the cold. He was so obviously malnourished, Techno didn't need to be a doctor to come to that diagnosis, and his clothes were too tattered to be worn properly.

He knew he was going to regret this later, the boy seemed far too energetic for him, and he felt the need to get checked for rabies after the feral boy bit him, but right now, Technoblade, for the first time in his life, felt as if he was doing the right thing.

Technoblade felt strong and dependable, which made him hold Tommy a bit closer.

He hoped Tommy liked Phil and Wilbur. He desired he could become what Philza was for him, to Tommy.

So, as the small boy shook and strained back whimpers in his arms, Technoblade held him closer. He wasn't good at comforting people, but he held Tommy protectively.

And while Tommy sobbed, he clung to Techno like it was the end of the world.

And Techno? Techno was okay with it. He knew Tommy had probably gone through so much. Techno knew it was out of character, but he craved to fill the role that Tommy was missing.

Of course, working as an English professor at a university would make it a bit more complicated but... Technoblade had a good feeling. It was the first time the world had felt silent, the first time he was frozen in place.

For once, the voices quieted down, and both Techno and the voices listened to the boy's breath even out as he passed out from exhaustion in the large man's arms.

Yeah. Everything was going to be okay. Techno would make sure of it.