The piglin stood there in the snowy tundra. Red cape flowing with the harsh wind. A tall figure walked up from behind him, hissing at the wet contact with said snow. "You'll have to tell Philza eventually you know, Techno," Ranboo told him as he handed the other a book n' quill. Techno turned to him, face softer than people would remember from the many wars he's lived upon. "I know," He sighed, "I know."

Trudging back to his cottage, in which he shared with Edward (honorary enderman-) and Athena. She was a small piglin runt, perhaps even just around a toddler.

Techno found her when traveling the Nether. Being griefed by wither skeletons and blazes in a fortress. Piglin instincts had won that battle as to protect the runt. Though that was a talk for another time.

Rough hands opened the door, walking towards the open fire place in the corner. Gently fanning the flames before climbing a ladder to the attic turned baby's room. Containing a crib along with some toys, not one person in Esempee would believe that it was his home. Traveling to the crib, he hovered over it with fondness in his statue watching as the small piglin nuzzled up to the warm blankets. A rough sigh filled the room as he went and took off his golden crown, placing on top of the bedside stand.

Quickly putting on a small golden brooch to calm the voices as he went on with his evening. Ranboo having already gone home. Going back down stairs he pulled out some potatoes and golden carrots and prepared a small stew for himself and the child. Planning to make a bit extra just in case Ranboo or Phil happened to want any. Though as he cut the carrots he knew deep down that Phil wasn't going to come by. He had suddenly cut him out of his life when he had found Athena in panic. Thinking Phil would be angry or disappointed.

Phil wasn't the greatest father growing up. Teaching him to spar at the age of 6 with iron swords and neglecting his siblings to indulge in him. It's not that he didn't love his father, no. Rather he could have done better. Perhaps giving his sibling a childhood or maybe not throwing him into violence, which permanently scarred his sanity.

So, no. He wasn't going to tell Phil about Athena, not until he manned up. Pulled out of his thoughts by the bubbling water in the nearby pot. He scooped up the chopped carrots and put them in with the potatoes, going over to the knife strand. Wiping off and carefully putting away the knife he used to cut the vegetables. "Remember, twenty five minutes of boiling." He reminded himself, before making his way up to the attic to check on Athena.

She lay awake in her crib, clutching onto the plush owl. Techno snorted softly at her love for the thing. "You're going to be wise oneday, aren't you," He whispered softly to her. The runt cooing at him, seemingly appreciating the comparison to the greek goddess. 'Technosoft', 'Nerds', 'Like father like daughter' Some of the voices were saying. Mostly soaking in the moment as it came.

A knock on the front door abruptly changed the calm scene. Picking up Athena and placing her in the playpen next to her crib to keep her entertained as he went to answer his calling. When climbing down the ladder he saw a glimpse of the person. It clearly wasn't Ranboo seeing as the person was dressed in green. Wait. Green.

He stood before the door, hand hovering above the handle. The only two people he knew that wore green noticeably were Dream and… Philza. Now neither of them were people he wanted at his doorstep at the moments. But, he knew neither of them would've come all the way out here without a reason, especially not to be ignored.

Swallowing his fear his hand grasped the knob. Swinging it open he was met with a familiar face. Head swarming with emotions. Too many to keep track of. Let alone to name. After a long silence he spoke up, "Why are you here?" he cringed at how passive aggressive it sounded. Tired voice not really helping at all. Phil winced at the tone, taking a quick deep breath before replying, "I just wanted to see if you were okay," He honestly stated, "I'm concerned for you…" 'for us' going unsaid.

Grunting he moved out the way of the door, silently inviting him in as he hoped the visit would be quick. The hybrid found his way inside, sitting down in the sitting space. Techno closed the door behind him before following suit. Silence fell before them.

"Ahem," Phil coughed, getting Techno's attention, "The pot, you may want to check on it." He gestured to the boiling water on the stove barely staying in the rims of the pot. Shooting up to his feet he ran over to it. Immediately turning down the stove's temperature, moving it back a burner.

Sighing in relief when the bubbling cooled itself. Just barely catching the look Phil held in the corner of his eye. Raising an eyebrow he stared his father down, silently demanding him an answer. "That's quite a bit of food for just you," He comments as Techno rinses his hands. The piglin freezes, looking away to create an excuse. Stumbling on his words he comes up with a response.

"How about we talk about why you're here," He spouts in hope to change the topic to more pressing matters, "You said you were here to see if I'm okay, then ask away" he continues as his eyes narrow at the elder, knowing it put him off guard. Phil lets out an empty laugh, closing his eyes, "God, you've always been so unpredictable," He chuckled, though it left Techno unimpressed, scowl warping his face.

Arm reaching behind him, grabbing his new 'Axe of Peace' from the wall from muscle memory. Swiftly slashing it just beneath Phil's neck. "Cut the bullshit." Voice demanding, soul unwavering. Phil, being careful not to move too much, knowing it would leave him bleeding out in the freezing tundra, decided to comply.

"Fine, Why are you distancing yourself from me then?" Retrieving the axe, placing it on the counter, Techno relaxed a bit. He knew he had to tell him, it's not like he could keep it to himself forever. Mentally drop kicking his anxiety, he held his pointer finger up. Phil hummed in acknowledgement, leaning back in his chair as Techno went up to the attic. Fond eyes washed over as he saw his daughter barely keeping themself awake. "Goddess, I have someone for you to meet," He told her softly. Athena's face lit up at the sound of his voice. She began to babble excitedly. He shushed her softly, picking up the runt. Maneuvering down the ladder with her in hands.

Techno cleared his throat, keeping her hidden in his chest. Turning to face his father. Shame melting onto his piglin features. Bracing himself by holding his eyes shut for the yelling… that never came.

Opening one eye, he was greeted with a shocked Philza. Shock quickly replaced by pride that rumbled through him. "Oh… you've grown up so well," He sighed, getting up. "What?", "You clearly didn't want me near them, and you seem to be doing quite well," He admitted with a sad look, "So, I'll be out of your hair as of now." He finished, stepping towards the door-

"Wait!" Techno breathed, "Do you want to hold her… at least once?" He offered, holding her out towards him, still slightly untrusting of his father. Small unnoticeable tears fell upon Phil as he accepted, grabbing her cautiously. "She's beautiful," He comments, "I know, her name's Athena" Techno informed. Phil snorted. "After the goddess of wisdom and war, eh" he sighed, "That's so like you." Techno let a small smile arise. "She needs wisdom to make it in this world, to defend herself and her honor." The piglin stated, firm on that belief as he took her back from him. "Do have a good trip." He wished on them as they left.

"I love you, father" Technoblade had whispered into the wind, for none but him to hear. "And you as well Athena, my beautiful warrior."