TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Suffocation/CPR, Mentions of -Blood, Vomiting, Self-harm (Feather pulling), and Self-deprecating thoughts.
**Edited some incorrect text.
x-xx-x
Kicking broken glass and discarded weapons from his path Techno quickly stepped over the limbs of the fallen enemies in the upper room as he rushed for the door. He didn't register them other than to avoid, more focused on the bright light filtering in from the frame ahead.
In his arms Tommy lay still, limp and far too quiet. It was easily enough to make Techno's blood cold and his breathing quicken as the ticking of precious time seemed to itch at the back of his skull. Chat was practically splitting his head with their screams. Some of them were keeping count as well and Techno found that more unhelpful than the shouts if he was honest.
The wind, thick with summer haze, wrapped around him the moment he passed through the doorway. The sun was high in the sky with hardly a cloud around to ease its blistering rays.
Techno barely took the time to reach the nearby tree before dropping back to his knees, trying to be careful of Tommy's bound wings and arms. Propping his brother up against him Techno swiftly cut through the ropes that were keeping Tommy's wings bound to each other, as well as his arms, thus freeing his chest as well. He was using the blade the man few earlier had- had almost-
Biting the inside of his cheek Techno laid Tommy flat on his back and tilted his head backwards. Leaning down he hovered his ear just above Tommy's mouth, listening for any sign of breathing.
Anything.
Anything at all.
"fuck-" Techno breathed out as he quickly locked his fingers together.
Mindful of his strength Techno began doing chest compressions like their father had shown them all years ago. Chat counted over him, keeping him on track as he frantically worked to restart his baby brother's lungs. At the sound of 'thirty' being echoed in his head Techno leaned down, pinched the bridge of his brother's nose and breathed two full breaths in his mouth.
"come on, tommy-" Techno pleaded as he leaned down to check for breathing once more.
He waited less time before beginning the compressions again.
Despite the sweltering heat Techno had never felt colder in all his life. His hands shook and he could no longer keep the distressed chuffing at bay as he worked hastily over his brothers prone form. He hadn't seen his younger brothers in so long and this was hardly the way he wanted a reunion with them to go.
Especially not because of him. Please. Tommy had to be okay.
Another thirty, another set of breaths.
"come ON/-" Techno growled out, his voice cracking as he prepared for the next set of compressions.
They were running out of time. Tommy was-
A dry snap of a cough crackled in the air, quickly turning into a fit of hacking and it was the most beautiful sound Techno had ever heard. The noise was harsh and rattled in the younger boys lungs as Tommy convulsed with the effort. His face was scrunched up in discomfort as Techno made to pick him up into a sitting position. Before he could do so Tommy was rolling onto his side and gagging harder.
"Tommy!" Techno called as he reached out enough to place a hand on the other's shoulder.
Before he could get another word out Techno could hear the familiar and concerning sound of retching. The smell hitting his nose not long after. Rubbing what he hoped was a comforting hand on his brothers back Techno couldn't help but wince as he noticed part of Tommy's wing was now coated in the mess. His frown grew deeper as he took note of the frayed strands of old burlap that rested in the thick bile.
When Tommy seemed to be done with that and reduced to a wheezing, shivering pile of bones Techno pulled him closer. Wrapping his arms around his younger brother's shoulders Techno tucked him under his chin and allowed them both to breath.
X-
Alive
Tommy's alive
Saved
Pog
Left the other one alive
Not now
Later
Tommy comes first.
Deep breaths
X-
With each breath he took Techno let out a comforting chuff, his chest rumbling hard enough to cause both of them to vibrate from it. He wanted nothing more than to hug the life out of his brother right now, but considering he'd just got the other breathing again Techno settled for the next best thing.
Tucking Tommy up onto his lap as much as the still partially bound wings would allow, he rested his chin in the Avians hair. One arm wrapped around Tommy's back between said wings and held him close while the other rested around the boys waist to keep him stable and in place.
Tommy himself wasn't moving much, aside from a flick of his wings and shifting his only partly untied arms to be more comfortable. The chirps and warbles of distress were muffled and uneven as more effort was no doubt being put into just refilling his lungs consistently.
The two stayed like that for some time, allowing the tension of the previous event fade. Allowing them both time to process and regain themselves. Even Chat was calming into a relatively slow trickle. As they sat and as Techno's hands stopped shaking so badly, he set himself to carefully start slipping off what he could of the ropes. Keeping Tommy firmly in place all the while.
It was during these efforts that Tommy seemed to be coming back to himself. Enough so that he was trying to push himself away from Techno's chest. Techno, of course, fought against this for a moment, but when Tommy let out an indignant huffed chirp he relented.
When Tommy leaned back enough to be able to face Techno the older man froze. A worried grunt rumbled from his throat as he reached hand out to Tommy's face, wiping away the smear or red that rested on his cheek.
X-
Blood
Is he bleeding?
Hurtinnit x2?
Better not be
Medic
X-
"Calm down. Its not mine." Tommy huffed but it carried no heat as he too reached up to wipe it away, though Techno batted his hand back.
Tommy let out another short breath off annoyance, but allowed it all the same. He didn't raise his eyes to meet Techno's, but he allowed the other to begin looking him over more thoroughly.
It…it almost felt like when they were younger. Tommy returning home scuffed up and bruised and Techno insisting on checking him over. The burning in his blood not settling until he knew that his brothers injuries were all seen to. Though… right now Tommy seemed tensed still, despite the danger already having passed. Techno worried if Tommy was still in shock or something over the recent events, which would be honestly understandable considering…
There was a bit more blood on Tommy, but the younger kept insisting it wasn't his. Techno could find no proof otherwise which only confused him further. It was as Techno was trying to wipe off a fresh spot, the fourth one, that Tommy finally snapped a bit with a firmer frown than before.
"Its not mine, Technoblade. Maybe have a look at yourself for a minute."
It was enough to make Techno pause, brow furrowing before he looked down. True to what Tommy was saying, the blood wasn't his. It was coming from Techno. Or rather, from across Techno's shirt. There were splashes of crimson across his front and down his arms. He wasn't painted in it, but it was still enough that it was now transferring to Tommy with relative ease.
It honestly made Techno feel calmer. His body started to relax as he allowed himself a deep and settling breath.
"So…we all good? Or, you know, your instincts going to keep me here longer?" Tommy asked awkwardly.
It was a question Techno hadn't been expecting and it made him look down quickly at the other. Tommy still wasn't meeting his gaze. In fact, he was staring at his feet, at his left foot specifically and for brief moment Techno wondered if it was hurt or something.
Pushing the thought down Techno opened his mouth to speak. The first words he could manage since Tommy came back around. However the sounds he wanted wouldn't come out and he instead he fought to reel in the concerned grunt he started to make instead. Closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath Techno tried again, Tommy remaining silent and waiting instead of teasing him.
Tommy had always been surprisingly good about being patient when it came to things like this. Despite his rather loud and, at times, abrasive personality, he was considerate in a way so few people expected of him.
Techno was glad that part of him didn't seem to change over the years he'd been gone.
"You-" Techno started, needing to take another shorter breath before getting the rest of his words out, "You're, okay? You're not hurt?"
It took Tommy a moment to reply and the answer had Techno looking at him with further concern. Not that Tommy would know, since his eyes remained glued to his foot.
"I mean, I'm alive. That's good enough innit?"
" 'Good enough'?" Techno echoed, an ear flicking anxiously as his brows knit together.
He opened his mouth to say more but Tommy cut in before he could.
"Yea. Not dead, not bleeding anywhere, sort of…manhandled a bit, but I've had worse." Tommy rattled off as he started to pull some of the remaining ropes down from his arms.
There was clear bruising from both the tightness of said ropes, but also a few hand marks that Techno could see under them. Tommy had put up some kind of a fight at the time and that man had-
"Its fine. I've gotten worse from Wilbur before." Tommy was already brushing off as Techno had started to reach for one of the newly exposed hand marks.
"From Wilbur?" Techno echoed with genuine confusion, forcing his hand back down as Tommy clearly didn't care for the prolonged check up.
"He's real shit with swords still. Should just stick to crossbows at this point." Tommy replied almost casually as he rolled his newly fully freed wrists.
Techno nodded slowly as he continued to watch his little brother, unsure how to direct the conversation where he needed it to go without being just…blunt about it. There were so many things he wanted to ask, but had no idea how to go about it. It had been so long since he'd last talked to his brother that now that he could he…had no idea how to do so.
"I'm just, going to get up now. If its all the same to you." Tommy muttered as he started to slip himself from Techno's lap.
X-
Stay
Baby bird
Technosoft
Keep him close
More hugs
X-
As much as Techno wanted to stop him, to listen to Chat, keep hold of the other a bit longer, he allowed it. He wasn't going to try to hold his little brother against his will or anything, even if he had missed the warmth the younger provided. Like Wilbur, Tommy had always been one for physical affection where as Techno had been less inclined. He had always appreciated both his brother's little acts of love though. Had returned it when he could.
It had been so long.
He missed it.
Once Tommy was fully off of his lap the boy settled himself onto the ground a good arms length away from him. Now, under the blistering sun, Tommy focused first on taking off his left shoe, his hands shaking as he did so. Techno didn't mention it. Didn't question why his first act of 'freedom' had been to instantly fix his sock either.
"Human feet." Techno remarked instead in what he hoped would be a casual tone, "Thought you preferred your Avian ones in summer."
It was a small comment, but it had Tommy tensing up, his hands freezing mid action. It only lasted for a second or two, but Techno took note all the same. It was odd really. Tommy had never been shy talking about it before. It wasn't something the family had ever treated as negative.
Certain Hybrids had the ability to shift a few minor characteristics between their hybrid forms and the more traditional 'human' forms. Techno himself could only shift his hands, going from three thick fingers to the 'human standard' of five when he needed them. Their father could shift between his clawed hands and feet, which was something both Wilbur and Tommy also had learned over time. Though Tommy had always preferred his hybrid appearance, like their father.
Looking now, Techno realized, any part of his hybrid self capable of being hidden was. Tommy's hands were distinctly human, and his ear tufts were mostly covered by the wild curls on his head. His feet, which he could sprint impressively fast with in Avian form, were human and bound in shoes that Tommy had always made a fuss about wearing in the past.
"Its just feet. Nothing special." Tommy muttered as he retied his shoe.
Though he couldn't place it there was a tone in his brother's voice that Techno didn't like. Chat didn't seem to either.
X-
Liar
Sadinnit?
Why hide?
Wouldn't lie to us
He's lying now though
Detectno
No
Baked chicken
X-
Techno looked up at the sky briefly at the last comment before his gaze fell back onto his baby brother. He was clearly too warm in the light, and if Techno recalled right, he was easy to burn.
"You should get in the shade before you pass out…you know, again." He recommended awkwardly.
"I'm fine right here." Tommy replied even as he wiped the sweat off his brow.
He was preparing to start unwrapping his wings next, which already looked like it was going to be a task. The man who'd bound them had done a haphazard job of it. Feathers folded out of place as the ropes were crossed randomly over and around each other. It was like the fool had been trying to leave the wings damaged one way or another.
It made Techno's blood burn once more at the thought. He pushed himself to his feet in order to help but Tommy practically flinched away from him.
"I-I got it, Technoblade. Bit of rope can't hold down the Great Tommyinnit, Biggest Man Ever." The half smile Tommy put on was actually less fake then words he'd just spoken.
"Tommy, just let me help. Don't…don't wanna loose any more feathers." Techno stated with a frown, his voice softening at the end as his eyes landed on the noticeable patch on the others right wing.
X-
'Technoblade'
Are we formal?
Nerd
Scared
Of us?
X-
"I-" Tommy stuttered, wings flexing instinctively in his discomfort, "I can do it on my own."
Techno stared at him a moment, Tommy's gaze remaining on the half undone rope in his hands. Techno tried not to feel too hurt by the obvious push from his brother. Tried not to read too much into the moment. It had been four years between their last meeting and he had no idea what could have gone on in that time.
X-
Baby bird
Fledgling
Runt
Our runt
Still ours
Why wont he talk to us?
Emoinnit?
Oh gods no
X-
"At least sit in the shade?" Techno suggested, though it was more of a beg if he were honest.
He didn't think he'd be able to handle if his brother passed out again. Tommy's eyes at least drifted towards the tree, lingering on the nice shade just a few steps from him. He clearly wanted to.
Xx-xx
Tommy ran his tongue over his low lip, only partially noting how dry it was. Sitting in the hot sun wasn't going to help him avoid dehydration any. He could already feel the burn setting in on his arms and back. If he wasn't careful he'd be going home extra crispy and he already could feel that journey was going to be unpleasant with the aches already in his body
But…
His gaze flicked to the side, landing on the other mans form, but careful not to lift to see his face.
Tommy couldn't get too close to the other. He'd already made himself a burden and didn't want to make things worse. Not only had Technoblade had to rescue him, but had to ditch his gear to do so. The man had even had to go so far as to hold Tommy afterwards just to get him to breath properly again. Thankfully there hadn't been anyone around, but Tommy didn't want to risk it.
"I-" He stammered, dropping eyes glancing back to the shade.
"Get in the shade, Tommy." Technoblade stated with a bit more firmness to his voice, "I'll go get you some water, deal?"
Deal? Why would they need a 'deal'? Technoblade had already gone out of his way, so why would he do this now when-
Tommy didn't even get a chance to consider whether or not to take the offer before the man was turning away from him, back towards the house. Watching the warrior leave Tommy did, eventually, draw himself closer to the tree. In fact, once he felt how nice the shade was he pulled himself right up to the trunk. By now he had one wing entirely free and the other about half done.
It was tricky to get the ropes off safely, but…well, with the other man out of sight Tommy was taking a bit of a short cut. If he hit a snag he would just…tug quickly to move them down. Sure, he was losing a few more feathers, but…
Tommy's eyes landed on the new, still tacky with speckles of his own blood, patch on his wing where his smoothed feathers were meant to be. It wasn't like had hadn't plucked feathers before but…never like that. Not in a patch and…and not all at once. Healing was going to take ages. That is, if he was still young enough to regrow them at all.
His father had warned him many times that once Avian's reached a certain age only certain feathers would keep growing in. Those that replaced old ones that were preened out naturally. Not…not any missing feather he happened to get.
It wasn't like he was trying to rip any more out. He wasn't that stressed…ok, maybe he was a bit, but that was for him to know and for everyone else to fuck off about. He was perfectly fine. Big Man Innit could handle an extra tug here and there if it meant his wings were no longer bound. He just needed to stretch them out and feel the wind rush through the feathers he still had attached. He just…he needed to not feel trapped
With a a graceless final tug and a stifled yelp Tommy felt his binds drop to the ground behind him. The slumped 'plop' sound that they made hitting the dirt and dying grass was satisfying in a way and had some of the tension in Tommy's shoulders ebbing away in seconds. Not that it remained away as he heard a slightly rushed set of steps returning.
Looking up Tommy was met with Technoblade once more, a cup in hand and his brow furrowed up as he stared back at the teen. Before he could open his mouth to ask the man what was wrong the other was already speaking.
"Tommy, what the hell? I was gone less than two minutes." Technoblade started, his voice a higher pitch than usual in a way that Tommy almost could list as 'distressed'.
Tommy couldn't help but tilt his head right back, a slightly confused look crossing his own face.
"Okay?"
"You could have just waited. I'd have helped you. You didn't need to- to-" The man stammered off before motioning with his free hand towards the ground.
When Tommy looked down he couldn't help but wince. There were…a few more feathers than he'd counted on there being. More than five, and a few of them were kind of big. He doubted, or hoped, that none of them were primaries at least. Though…he could see at least two that were secondary, which was bad enough.
"Its…its fine. Was…due to preen them anyway." Tommy stammered out as he shifted awkwardly and kept his gaze from returning to the other.
It wasn't entirely a lie. It was just, a mild reconstruction of the truth. It was no ones business but his own that he'd just preened them that morning. It certainly wasn't Technoblade's. The last time the other was around Tommy wasn't even able to do it himself yet. Not that that mattered either. None of this did. Not to him.
"There's a difference between 'preening' and 'pulling em out'." The man said, his tone almost one of scolding that Tommy didn't care for.
"I'm well aware of how to look after my wings, Technoblade. Seeing as I've had them my whole life and all and you haven't." Tommy snapped back, "Its sort of a thing I've learned about, believe it or not."
His tone wasn't too sharp, but regardless his words had the other pausing.
"Besides, it'll be fine. Its only a few of them. They'll probably grow back before too long." It was more of a hope than anything, but he'd cling to it for now.
The man before him fidgeted awkwardly in place. Without his mask on Tommy could see something closer to unease rather than annoyance on the other's face. Tommy wasn't sure how he should feel about that. Nor did he know what to feel when the man silently held out the recently filled cup to him.
"You're dehydrated." Came the lame spoken explanation.
Tommy was half tempted to ignore it, but…his throat was well beyond dry at this point and all the talking had started to make it sting. The two stood still for almost a minute before Tommy reached for the offered cup with a nod. He tried not to notice the way he was being watched as he lifted it up to drink, turning his head to the side even to try to notice even less.
The second the cold water hit his tongue Tommy realized with a fresh rush of desperation, just how thirsty he was. Both hands were on the cup as he tilted his head back, trying to chug as much as he could. He knew he should be more careful. He knew that he should take his time. He recalled someone telling him once that drinking too quickly-
"Drink it too fast and you're going to throw up again, Tommy." Technoblade warned, his voice once more sounding some kind of tense, "Sip it slowly so your body can absorb it properly."
Tommy's only reply was to raise a hand to flip him off. Outwardly anyway. He did actually give a moment of pause, the water already mostly gone. The gasp he let out made him cringe a little with how weak it made him sound. But he tried to ignore it. Tried to focus on the water in his hand and the sound of his own breathing.
Was there even a point in being worried about the noises he made? Technoblade had already seen him bound up and then sobbing. Hell, the man had watched him literally throw up on himself less than twenty minutes ago. There probably wasn't much further down Tommy could go on his 'pathetic' scale unless he actually shat his pants at this point. If it came to that Tommy would probably just crawl into the nearest hole to die in.
…So in short, yes. Every little sound he made at this point mattered. It mattered because he couldn't afford to lose any more ground. Even if the man only stopped by this once and was off again. It still….it still mattered.
"-ommy?"
Tommy's head snapped up when he realized his name was being called. Technoblade had moved closer to him once more, his hands outstretched as if ready to catch him. The man's brow was once more furrowed and his shoulders hunched. One of his ears twitched, causing the emerald that dangled from it to glitter in the sunlight.
Tommy had opened his mouth to at least make a noise, but the shimmering of said emerald caught his eye. He couldn't help but pause as his gaze lingered on it, following the movement instinctively.
"Hey, focus on me, kid. Eyes here." Technoblade's voice cut into his head again.
The man had a hand raised up to where Tommy's eyes seemed to be and waved his fingers, slowly bringing them to match his own gaze. Tommy wavered on his feet as he felt his cheeks heat up and eyes widen. He'd really zoned out there and now he was locked in the worst staring match he could ever find himself in.
"I'm…I'm going to help you sit back down, okay?"
Tommy opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by a sudden sharp gust of wind. It was almost enough to knock him off his feet, but before that was even a worry he felt a pair of strong arms around lock around his own and holding him up.
The gust of wind passed quickly with a firm flapping of familiar wings. There was a blur of green, white and gold, a shimmering in the light and a rapid rush of footsteps towards them.
"Tommy!"
"D-dad?"
