The most important thing for a young man is to establish a credit…reputation, character.' - John D. Rockefeller.

A rather dry observance but it was one that Techno related to none the less. To an extent at least. He wasn't blind to the way society interacted with individuals based on reputation far before character even came into the mix.

A handy tool if you knew how to use it.

Molding ones reputation wasn't exactly easy as generally it wasn't the person themselves creating it. Sure, personal action and effort can help, but only for a portion of it. No, from what Techno had witnessed himself a persons reputation was far faster carved out by word of mouth of those around them. For better or for worse.

Techno started at the age of fifteen, carving out what reputation he thought would serve him best. It had been…awkward to start with. But…all it took was a single story. Poorly worded and slapped together with an obvious stumbling hand of a freshmen. Still, being told to others just as naïve, if not slightly more gullible, it had roughly the desired effect.

Now, after two years Techno felt he had truly mastered the craft he so carefully created. He barely had to think about what he wanted to add to the rumor mill. Nor wonder what person he had to slip word to for it to spread just right. Don't get him wrong, it was still nerve wracking. But he had a confidence in this system of his. He would only need it for one more year anyway.

One more year after this one, and he'd be free.

He had plenty of rumors and ideas for more that would keep the student body at a distance from himself. Besides, it wasn't like anyone like chomping at the bit to try their luck socializing with the 'Blood God'. It wasn't a title he created, but he adopted it all the same. If anything it was just proof his rumor mill was running strong and as intended.

Techno let out a contented sigh as he strolled down the hall towards class. He kept his face a schooled stoic as he pretended not to notice the group of students ahead of him shuffle quickly out of his way once they noticed him. He carefully kept the smirk from his face as he watched an older student lean towards an obvious freshmen and whisper. Watching the said freshmen's eyes grew wide and they stepped back an extra step.

As he entered his classroom he couldn't help the calming feeling of knowing that no one, not a single person in this room, was going to try to talk to him. All he had to worry about was being called on by the teacher, and he was far more confident in his ability to give answers than to socialize.

Xx-xx

Tommy was running late to class, cussing rather loudly as he stumbled through the halls. He'd woken late and had to run to school after missing the bus. He thankfully didn't live far, but it was still a pain. Especially since he knew the chances of him getting into the building without issue even if he had been on time were slim.

He was right of course.

Try as he might to dart through the large wooden doors Tommy just hadn't been fast enough. Not to get around Jared. The prick.

It had been a light tussle at least, Tommy's bag and books getting more of a toss around this time. It had still taken him a few minutes to gather up the scattered items before trying to hoof it down the hall.

With the grace and subtilty of a popped shaving cream balloon Tommy burst into the door of his first period class several minutes past its start. Papers flung from his hands as he failed to keep hold on them with how hard he'd bashed into the to door to enter.

Needless to say once the laughter of the room died down Tommy had been given yet another tardy slip along with one for being disruptive. He'd been sent directly to the principle to plead his case for not getting a detention or worse. Which he failed to do so early in the morning and after a rough start without breakfast. He didn't mind detentions at least. He was actually sort of used to them by now and his parents rarely asked why he was late home.

Tommy wasn't a bad kid. He knew that. He could be trouble at times, sure. He'd be the first to admit he could be a chaotic little shit. But, overall he wasn't a bad person. Unfortunately, you didn't need to be a bad person to catch unwanted attention.

On the plus side though, he was getting a lot faster.

He just needed to survive four more years of this. Less, if the upperclassmen harassing him actually graduated. Tommy had never before wished for his enemies to have flawless grades, but he'd hang that on every shooting star from now until he graduated himself.

It wasn't like school was all bad though. He did have a few friends. Tubbo and Ranboo, who he had known since middle school. Despite being so close they hadn't been given the label of 'weird kid' like Tommy had been though, and he was grateful for that. Even more so when, despite that label, the two continued to stay at his side.

Four more years of having the best of friends in the world at his back? Four more years of keeping the 'weird kid' title off their heads? Tommy was sure he could do that.

Xx-xx

Wilbur let out a sigh as he listened to yet another rumor about his brother be told just one table over from them. While hearing that the student body low key thought his brother drank blood and that was the reason he had pink hair was…kind of funny, it kind of bothered him too. He'd been listening to these rumors dance around since they were freshmen. They were only getting weirder too.

There was, of course, the urge to turn around and ask the speaker if they were really that dumb to believe in such an obvious lie. However, as usual Wilbur held his tongue. Not because he wanted to, but because he'd been asked. He didn't really understand it, but, for some reason Techno found these rumors to be 'oh so funny' and 'I just want to see where they can end up'.

It worried Wilbur though. While some of the rumors were, admittedly, humorous, they were also damaging. Wil wasn't sure if his sibling perhaps didn't see that or if he really just, didn't care. With Techno it really could go either way. The fact that people avoided his brother for it made Wil wonder if he was enjoying that free side effect.

Wilbur knew his brother wasn't exactly…social, but having ones social life obliterated was different than just…not wanting to talk to people. Still, he respected his brother's wishes well enough. It wasn't like the other didn't socialize at all it just…generally happened with his family or with the few friends Wilbur occasion brought home.

If the people Wilbur brought home happened to be ones he thought Techno would get along with specifically, well, that was for him to know.

For all the rumors going around about his brother Wilbur couldn't help but be confused about how he, his literal twin, suffered none of the same. In fact, there were times where…rather the opposite happened.

Wilbur had a love for music that he'd only considered getting involved in when they were freshmen. By the time they were Sophomores Wilbur had been asked to join the school band twice, theater three times and even a personal band once. He'd been overwhelmed with excitement at each offer, if not a bit confused. Still, he wasn't going to look those opportunities in the mouth.

He wasn't the most skilled, but he practiced hard enough to receive praises all the same. By junior year he was considered one of the more skilled in the theater group and had, admittedly, started planning to make his own band. His friends, who he had made with a relative ease, were made for quality and not quantity which showed.

With his safety circle of friends he could safely vent his frustrations about the rumors regarding his brother. Those that had met Techno falling into agreement with Wilbur on the absurdity of it. Still, the elder twin seemed more than content with the situation so the most the group could do was talk and theorize on it.

It was just one more year after this one.

One more year, and Techno would be free of whoever it was that had decided to target him. One more year of watching the school flee his brother in an unjustified fear. One more year, and Wilbur wouldn't have to stalk the halls hoping to find the bastard 'by happenstance' with more than a few ideas on how to 'set them straight' on the matter.

Though, Wilbur considered that he might miss the hunt.