Chapter Text
He was supposed to come back.
Phil thought back to this morning, when he bid his sons goodbye. Remembered how Tommy ran around impatiently and how Techno took his time trying to gather supplies for the both of them. How Techno gave Tommy the axe of peace, and how the blonde teenager grinned with awe at the weapon. And then they were off to L’manburg, to take down a wicked government that has already taken away so much from their little family.
And Tommy was supposed to come back.
But he didn’t.
“He left me, Phil.” Technoblade paced back and forth in quiet anger. It has been hours since Techno has come back without Tommy, and he’s been ranting to Phil ever since. Said man could only quietly watch with sorrow as Techno unraveled before his own eyes. When suddenly, he stopped and stood still, spinning around to face Phil. “He left us.” His voice cracked.
It was the first time he saw his eldest son so distraught. So confused and betrayed. And his heart ached with empathy, because he feels the same way right now. Tommy is his youngest son, his little boy. Phil, Techno, Wilbur and Tommy, they were a family. And shouldn’t family stick together? Shouldn’t they always side with each other, always listen to each other?
Shouldn’t Tommy always listen to t h e m ?
After all, he’s just a child. No matter how much Tommy wants to scream otherwise, he is. Only 16 years old. But ever since he went off with Wilbur to start a new country, he likes to think himself as independent. Fighting against his family both with weapons and words.
“Remember when Tommy was smaller?” Phil finally speaks up. Techno stares at him, confused. Phil gives him a sad smile as he further explains his thoughts. “How obedient he was? He was so dependent on us and so clingy. I remember you and Wilbur often complaining to me about how Tommy wouldn’t leave you guys alone.” His gaze softens as fond memories of simpler times flooded his mind.
Techno gave a small smile as well, no doubt also remembering. But his smile quickly turned back into a pained frown. And with a grimace he opened his mouth to speak.
“If only it stayed that way.” He grumbled, staring down at the floor.
And didn’t that just break Phil’s heart? Techno spoke with such hopelessness, as if he already accepted that Tommy will never go back to them. Never look up to them with love and wonder again, or come running towards them in his time of need, or listen to them ever again. And any other father may have accepted it as well. There’s too many problems to solve, too many grievances to fix. But Philza wasn’t just any father, he was a man who never gave up.
And he certainly wasn’t gonna give up on Tommy. He wasn’t willing to let Tommy go. Because he was Phil’s youngest son. Wilbur’s and Techno’s little brother. That’s who he was.
And he was going to stay, whether he likes it or not.
“We’ll get Tommy back.” Phil stated with confidence. “And it’ll be like before.”
Techno looked up and stared. A moment passed in silence. “It won’t be the same, especially now.”
It occurred to Phil that maybe Technoblade was still angry at Tommy and unwilling to forgive. He gave a sigh as he rubbed his neck in exhaustion. “Listen Techno, I understand you’re feeling betrayed but Tommy is your brother and he needs us-“
“I’m not talking about that.” Technoblade spat out. “It’s obvious he’s not in his right mind, he was in exile for some time. God knows how that affected him.” He wrinkled his nose and crossed his arms. “I’m talking about what’s going to happen tomorrow. Me and Dream already made plans to completely destroy L’manburg. After tomorrow it’ll be nothing but ash and dirt. And something tells me Tommy won’t be too happy about it.”
“Good, he shouldn’t be. It’s a lesson after all.” Phil smiled as Techno nodded with agreement at that. “But after the punishment is over, the healing can begin. Trust me, all Tommy needs is some alone time with his family. Soon he’ll get over this rebellious phase and it’ll be just like old times.”
Both men smiled at each other and set off to prepare. Not just for the upcoming battle, but also for Tommy’s new life.