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It was really more of a wrong place, wrong time type of thing. Techno couldn’t help it. He sees something shiny and he says to himself “brr Technoblade take it” “gold for Techno” “E” and he just does. Who’s he really to not?
The market was a busy place and it was easy to trail behind some struggling mother attempting to keep her five other kids in line. She never gave him a second glance, just ushered her children and plus one down the cobbled streets.
His eyes raked over the vendors. It was early enough in the morning their stalls had troves of things and they wouldn’t notice until they took inventory. As long as he didn’t get caught. But Techno was a whole eight years old and probably the best thief in the entire city, there was no chance of that happening.
There, sitting among a hundred other trinkets something glimmered. He didn’t have any time to inspect his soon to be prize as he casually drifted closer. Regardless of what it was, it was soon to be his.
Keeping his head firmly pointed toward the woman unknowingly posing as he kept his hands low, barely breezing by as his sticky fingers silently caught on smooth metal and slipped it into his pocket. The shopkeeper was none the wiser. His mind went wild at the thought of more beautiful gold to add to his collection.
He felt a grin grace his face as his big heist was over. Some part of his brain had been scratched. Before he could depart, he’d need to do some pickpocketing for dinner money if he wanted to eat tonight. The thought of selling his precious items was absurd. They were treasures; his only.
He was about to duck away into the alleyway and wait out anyone that might recognize him, when a voice rang out. “Hey!”
Techno nearly stiffened before he remembered that call could be for anyone. The markets were crowded.
Techno kept walking like he hadn’t heard anything until he felt a tug on his sleeve. Techno whipped around, already twisting his arm out of the loose grip. And then he was face to face with another boy.
He looked about his age, maybe older. His hair was brown and shone with highlights of gold in the sunlight. The thing that felt almost alarming were his clothes. Sure, to anyone else they were peasant styled, but again, Techno was an observant person.
They were new. No rips or stains decorated the plain beige garments. That tipped him off. Maybe he was some random noble kid who’d run off to romanticise peasant life.
“You stole from that man.” Techno’s frown deepened as he remembered why exactly he had even met this boy.
Techno put a hand over the boy’s mouth. “Keep it down,” he hissed.
The boy pushed him away and made a grab for the trinket. “You need to give it back!”
“No thanks,” Techno said, keeping the thing out of the boy’s reach. It was no use because he made a jump for it and his fingers managed to catch the edge of what Techno was beginning to think was some type of medallion or coin.
“Oi, you two!” Both boys froze in their silent tug of war and looked at each other. The similar thought of ‘oh shit’ passed between their collective singular brain cell.
The man at the stall Techno had stolen from was not as feeble minded as he had assumed and realized the two children were in fact fighting over his merchandise. “Guards! Those boys stole from me!”
Well, just like Ranboo merch, that stall dude ain’t ever getting his shit. He hesitated, glancing at the boy that looked absolutely "deer in lantern light" terrified. Techno didn’t want anyone to suffer being talked to by the guards. They were scary and always tried to take him back to the orphanage.
In the split second following, Techno grabbed the boy’s wrist and shoved him along in front of him. Spurring them both into a run. They had to get out of there!
It took twenty minutes off weaving and dodging between buildings and allies to lose them. He was lucky the boy was fit enough to keep up and observant of where Techno was turning before he did. He only had to grab his arm and pull him down the right street twice.
Finally when Techno could hear no shouts or heavy footsteps he slowed them both down to a brisk walk. The area was relatively quiet, but the silence was filled by their panting. Techno didn’t stop, they could catch their breaths when they got to his super secret home.
“Where are we going?” The boy- he still didn’t know his name.
“To my home. It’s not far,” Techno reassured. He looked down the intersection trying to remember which one to take before he remembered he was the human gps. Wherever he went would be the right way. He chose the left one. Always go left.
And he was right. Another minute of walking when they came across what used to be a department store. It had been abandoned halfway through construction some twenty odd years ago and simply never got demolished.
Wilbur looked skeptical but Techno beckoned him to follow and eventually they dunked inside the entrance. There were cobwebs everywhere. Techno kept them out of the walkways and tried to make it livable but he was just one boy. They reached a ladder up to the rafters between the floors.
“This way,” Techno needlessly explained as he pulled himself up and into the narrow area with practiced ease. Techno reached down and wrapped his hands around the other boy’s and pulled him up.
Falling backwards from the momentum with a soft thud that echoed in the mostly empty space. There was another a few seconds later beside him. He threw the hand holding his golden trinket over his eyes and he gulped in air. Still feeling the effects from running so much.
Then something broke the silence, a sound that took him by surprise. He peaked out from under his arm. The boy next to him was breathlessly giggling. Even up here the sun peeked through the boards and he could see his face was red with exertion but eyes bright in mirth.
The sight made Techno start chuckling before he started full on belly deep laughing. The two lay in an abandoned building, shoulders pressing against each other until their chests and stomachs ached from their humor.
“I’m Wilbur,” the boy- Wilbur introduced himself, turning himself around and holding his hand out in offering. “We’ve been running for a while and I don’t even know your name.”
Techno took the peace offering as it was and shook. “I’m Technoblade, but you can call me Techno.”
There was a millisecond of silence before Wilbur raised an eyebrow and said, “Technoblade?”
“Yeup.”
“Why would your mum name you that?” He pushed himself to sit up.
“Don’t have one, I named myself,” Techno proudly proclaimed. Also following Wilbur’s lead and sitting now.
“Oh.” Wilbur’s eyes got big, almost looking at Techno in wonder. “Really?” He breathed.
Techno grinned and nodded his head.
“I got to help name my brother, but not myself.” Wilbur pouted.
“You named your brother?” Techno was an excellent namer. He wished he had a brother.
“Yep! His name is Theseus, we call him Tommy though. Why’d you steal that?” He pointed at the thing Techno hadn’t even begun to examine yet like he usually did when he got home. He’d been distracted.
“It’s pretty and I like it.” He opened his palm carefully. He didn’t want Wilbur to run away with it but after what they’d been through he didn’t think he would.
He let Wilbur pick it up, turning it over and running his thumb along the careful engravings. It was a circle of gold, inlaid with a detailed picture of a guitar. It was gorgeous, don't get him wrong. But not his style.
“Do you play?” Wilbur asked.
Techno shook his head and said, “Nope.” He paused, seeing the reverence on Wilbur’s face. “Do you?”
“Yeah. I do. I want to make my own music someday.” His stomach growled and Wilbur’s face heated minutely as he handed back the medallion. “Sorry.”
“‘S fine,” he dismissed. “I don’t know much about how to make music. Do you?” Techno sheepishly asked. This was a conversation topic he really didn’t know about.
As Wilbur bagan explaining music notes and how they were read, Techno pushed himself to his feet. Techno had a small amount of food left over. Wilbur’s stomach was starting to growl. The decision was easy.
He walked over to the mostly empty crates, humming interestedly and nodding, and picked up a bundle of cloth. It did a decent enough job of keeping the rats out of his things. Not worth nibbling through to his meager crumbs when there were more inhabited houses to infest instead.
“Wilbur,” Techno called, the other boy looking up at him from the floor. He raised his hands out of instinct and caught the bundle of food and cloth as Techno tossed it to him.
“What’s this?” Wilbur’s eyes looked between it and Techno as he sat back down across from him.
“Food,” Techno grunted. “Thought you looked hungry.” Wilbur looked embarrassed.
“I- I can’t do that Techno,” Wilbur tried.
Techno took back the bundle and unwrapped it. “Hmm.” He took the bread and broke it in half. “How about we split then?”
Wilbur took it, but it was obvious in his eyes he was hungry. Techno was a good thief, he’d find a way to pay for more food tomorrow. “Thanks Tech.”
“Of course, Wil,” Techno mocked. “Nicknames? Sappy.”
“Wow, you’re so mean to me.”
“Not my fault you’re so easy to be mean to,” he teased with an unmistakable grin.
Then Wilbur’s demeanor seemed to soften. His brown eyes shone with the same mischief Techno saw in himself everytime he looked in a mirror. They were almost like bro- no. “But really. Thanks, Tech,” he whispered.
Techno fought down the warmth in his heart. He let himself smile though, leaning back on his arms and basking in the company of someone else. The smile soon vanished though, as he already began dreading the moment Wilbur would remember who Techno was- one of hundreds of nameless street rats- and go back home to whatever noble life he led.
“Technoblade,” Wilbur hesitated, causing Techno to hold his breath. He hesitantly hummed to encourage what the other boy was saying, hoping he wasn’t about to lose a friend. “Techno, do you want to be my brother?”
Techno opened his eyes quickly, surprised by the statement, and squinted at the ceiling. He’d never had a family, and he was certain that a brother was better than a friend.
If he’d ever had a sibling before his mom left him on the orphanage doorstep he was ignorant of it. Wilbur was nice but he already had a brother. When he voiced that to Wilbur he got a confused look.
“I can have multiple brothers Tech. Plus, I know Tommy would want you as his brother. And then you’d have two!”
Techno mulled over the thought. “What about your parents?”
“Oh, they love having kids.” Somewhere in a castle a bit away, Phil inexplicably choked on his drink. He had no clue why of course. “Of course they’ll love you. And then my mum and dad will be yours too.”
Techno had to admit, that was flawless logic. The thought of being in a family- having a mom and dad and brothers that loved him, it was daunting but he wanted it. Of course he did, but trust was a difficult thing.
“Okay,” he trailed off. “Are you sure?”
He didn’t know why he trusted Wilbur’s judgment so much when he’d never done that for anyone else. They clicked. In a few short moments, they were closer than friends. They were like brothers. Wilbur was just built differently.
“Positive.”
He tentatively trusted Wilbur. But the thought of meeting more people made him want to grab his thin holey blankets and hide away. “Can I-” he cut himself off, trying to ignore Wilbur’s look. “Can I think about it?”
Wilbur pouted but nodded quickly enough. “Mhm. Should we meet again at the marketplace?”
Techno winced at the thought of going to that market place so soon. “Might not be the best of ideas. Just the marketplace might recognize us.” He clarified seeing Wilbur’s face fall.
“What about at the castle?” Wilbur suggested, lighting up
“The same castle that the guards wouldn’t let me within a quarter mile of?”
Wilbur sheepishly nodded. “I know the way in. The guards won’t even notice us.” Wilbur seemed amused.
“Do you live there or something?”
Wilbur’s eyes twinkled. “You could say that.”
“So that’s a yes.”
“Teeech,” Wilbur whined. “I’m trying to be mysterious.”
“Mhm. Don’t you need to leave now?” He pointed to the window and sure enough there was about an hour before sunset.
“Oh shoot,” Wilbur said. He was on his feet and looking out the window, hand shielding his eyes. He seemed to come to the same realization about the time ‘cause he spun around. “Techno, it was really nice meeting you. I hope I see you again tomorrow?”
Techno nodded, trying not to get his hopes up too high. “I go sit in the hedges outside the back fence?” He repeated the instructions Wilbur had given him at least a dozen times.
“Yes- aha!” Wilbur seemed to find what he wanted and held it out. “Here, here. If the guards do happen to find you, show them this.” Techno took it and opened his palm to reveal some type of broach. It was inlaid with bright green gems on a silver backing.
Not his favorite metal but it still took his breath away. “Wow. Wait.”
Techno pulled out the little medallion he’d stolen what felt like days ago and held it out.
“You don’t have to give me that,” Wilbur explained bashfully.
“I want you to have it. ‘S not my style anyway.”
Wilbur took it gingerly with a strange gentleness and put it carefully into his shirt pocket. “Thank you, Technoblade. Really.”
Techno waved him off and turned to watch Wilbur start to climb down the ladder. He clutched his gift close to his chest like it was his most important thing he owned.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Wilbur called, a wide grin trying to tilt his head so his brown hair didn’t obscure his view.
It was almost a contagious happiness. “Yup, that’s the plan.”
Then Wilbur’s head disappeared and he could hear the other boy shuffling around and then as he finally left. Techno pushed himself to his feet and peered out between the boards to see Wilbur’s retreating figure.
Tomorrow, Wilbur would become his new brother. He wanted Techno to be a part of his family, and just the thought made his heart pounded harshly with excitement, more than any past heist ever had.
He pulled away from the window and sat down on his blankets, hands still tight around the gift. A gift. Techno had never been given a gift. He felt loved-
Oh dear. He had been the one stolen from. Not his precious gold. Or the handful of gems. But Wilbur, his brother- and wasn’t that a thought- had stolen his heart away within minutes. Techno couldn’t wait for tomorrow and whatever it brought.
Wilbur was lucky it was a pleasant day. The weather was warm, a slight breeze bringing in smells from the castle. Flowers from the royal garden were in bloom if the sweet scent was any indication. Techno was tucked between a bush and the fence behind him. The guards never noticed him sitting there.
“Pssst.” Techno covered his mouth to stop a startled squeak and his eyes darted to his left to see Wilbur. Mischievous grin and a twig with two leaves sticking out from his hair.
“You ready?” Wilbur asks, extending his hand. His hand was covered in mud from crawling around in the bushes.
Techno grinned and took the hand. He froze as the boots of the knights clacked on stone bricks. “Are you-” sure about this? Technoblade didn’t even bother. Wilbur didn’t have to be sure about a plan to go through with it.
Wilbur urged Techno forward. Deeper into the castle. Down a few flights of stairs and past so many paintings Technoblade stopped trying to remember them.
This was… Wilbur sure was taking him really far into the palace. It was beginning to look more and more expensive. Techno knew he didn’t belong here. Surely the royal family didn’t want some streetrat dirtying up their halls.
But whenever Techno hesitated Wilbur would give his hand a gentle squeeze and keep pulling him along. Wilbur pulled him into some type of office room.
“Where are we?”
“The royal vault,” Wilbur chirped.
“Wilbur! We can’t steal from the royal vault.”
“You sure? I’m pretty sure there’s no one stopping us.”
“Maybe the law?”
Wilbur’s face scrunched up in annoyance. “Since when do you care about the law, Tech?”
Techno paused. Ah, right. He didn’t. Down with structure! He grinned at Wilbur and his bro- his friend beamed back. Wilbur must’ve been very good at locks because it swung open with minimal messing about.
Despite having the entire vault to themselves and at their mercy they each walked away with only one thing each. Wilbur had a silver guitar pick and Techno had a bracelet that made a very pleasant jingling sound when shaken.
Suddenly Wilbur froze and grabbed onto Techno’s sleeve. “Wha-” He was shushed harshly.
There was whispering, too low for Techno to hear, but Wilbur's focused gaze suggested he could hear the mutters well.
“Well, that’s a shame. Guess the thieves are gone. Hm, I guess I’ll just go then.” And the person did, the door shut behind his receding footsteps and he was none the wiser! Techno and Wilbur were so sneaky!
Thud. Wilbur was rubbing his head where he’d bumped against the nightstand and knocked over a book. Techno froze, listening as carefully as he could for footsteps or the dreaded door knob turning.
He let out a breath when nothing happened. Wilbur grabbed Techno’s wrist, the one not holding onto the bracelets, and yanked him out into the hallway and down who knows where.
Wilbur did know where he was going. It was almost like he’s lived here his entire life. Which might be true if he was some noble’s son. But Wilbur never asked about his parents so Techno saw no need to ask him about his.
Getting out was easier than in. Techno and Wilbur almost- no, they did miss the shift change. Yet, the gates were still deserted when the two boys wished each other goodbye and went their separate ways. Both knowing full and well this wasn’t the end by any means.
Two weeks. And it had been the most fun Techno had ever had. In the mornings he’d sneak to the palace gates, crouching in the bushes. The guards would change shifts and Wilbur would come and bring him inside.
Wilbur always made sure he took enough food and jewels back to his little ‘home’ to hold him over for more than enough time. Techno was reluctant to take even the heels of bread. He couldn’t imagine the punishment he’d face if he took anything more. But, Technoblade didn’t steal from the marketplaces anymore.
Wilbur had quickly realized Techno’s soft spot. Gold. But give him anything shiny and he’ll curl up against your side while he examines it for an hour. But Wilbur was definitely using it to his advantage to get Technoblade to calm down while he ransacked the cabinets.
“I won’t be here tomorrow.”
Techno paused where he was carving faces into an applecore with his nails. It would oxidize and look horrifying. “What?”
“I’m going to be out of the kingdom with my dad.”
Techno squinted at Wilbur. “Where are you going?” He didn’t want Wilbur to leave. Maybe he could follow?
Wilbur winced as if he knew what Techno was thinking. “It’s really far away. Las Nevadas, I think, is what my dad called it.”
Techno tilted his head. “I’ll only be gone a week,” Wilbur elaborated. “Then you can come back to the castle.”
“Hmm,” Techno tilted his head in a foux debate. “Fine. But you have to bring me something back.” Like it wasn’t obvious. Of course he would.
Wilbur seemed amused. “Of course. I can’t not bring back something for wittle brother Technoblade.”
“I revoke my words, don’t come back.”
“Revoke?”
“It means to take back.”
Wilbur giggled as he got the joke. “Nope, too late. You can’t get rid of me.”
And Techno stoically withstood Wilbur nudging him. He did not grin. He definitely didn’t throw his head back laughing as Wilbur began explaining his adoration for sand and how Las Nevadas had the best tasting beaches. Nope.
The first two days were fine. Techno felt mopey- he wanted Wilbur back- but he kept himself busy, scouring the markets looking for his next few targets. Easy enough.
On the third day he secured his location and finished off almost all his rations.
Fourth day he made a clean steal. Almost three weeks of not stealing hadn’t caused him any issues.
It was the fifth day things went downhill fast. To be fair he was already irritable and hungry. Wilbur had been gone for centuries at this point. And despite how much mischief they got into together, usually one of them had common sense. Well Wilbur was a thief because he didn’t leave Techno any.
So it only took one rude comment to piss him off.
The market was really busy. Like, if Techno had managed to get a good meal yesterday he would’ve waited. His stomach growled in hunger. No rest for the hungry, it reminded him. No rest for Techno. The crowd made it hard to move. People jostled and shoved against him, seeing him instead of letting his blend into the background static.
That made this tricky. But there were a few coins in his pocket. Yesterday it was his only bounty besides a roll he’d eaten the night before. It was enough to buy a few bits if he haggled right. Techno ran a thumb along the coins mournfully as he resolved himself to having to talk to the merchants he stole from at every chance.
He took his place in the line. Slowly creeping toward the stall. When suddenly someone pushed against his side, shoving him to the brick ground and sliding into his spot.
“Excuse me, ma’am, but you took my spot in line,” Techno spoke. She glanced down at him then reeled back like she hadn’t pushed him to the ground seconds ago.
She scoffed and adjusted her hat. “Just get back in line. It’s not like you can afford the food anyway.”
“Yes I can, I have money-”
“Stolen money I bet. How about I get the guards then?”
“I-”
“What’s going on here?” A gruff voice spoke. The man looked between the woman and Techno.
“This child tried to cut in line Gerold,” the woman shrieked. “He shoved me like the vermin he is!”
“Did your parents not teach you manners or do you just have none? I can teach you some manners.” The man, the woman’s husband if he had to guess, bristled in anger. Face red and angry and Techno froze where he stood.
Techno opened his mouth to argue but the man raised his hand. Pain bloomed through Techno’s cheek and he fell back harshly to the cobbled streets. He curled his knees to his chest and covered his head as the angry yelling crescendoed. A foot slammed into his leg, making him cry out. Then a new voice joined.
His eye was swollen already but he managed to look up as a guard in shiny armor with a white smiling mask shoving the husband away. His tongue sharp and lashing as the other man finally left Techno with the guard.
The guard with the mask kneeled right beside him, leaning on his elbows to see Techno better. Presumably, Techno couldn’t see any eye holes. He didn’t realize how bad he was trembling until the guard rested a hand on Techno’s back and was nearly dislodged from the force of it.
“Hey kid. Calm down a second, alright? You’re okay.” Techno’s unswollen eye was wide, his leg ached. He knew there would be bruises blooming all over him soon enough. “Hi there, I’m Dream. What’s your name?”
Techno really shouldn’t give out his name but the guard had saved him! Probably to throw him in jail, the thought sobered him. Still, Dream had given him his own name. “Tech-Technoblade.”
“Technoblade huh?” Dream eased Techno to sit up on his knees. Carefully, giving Techno the opportunity to move back he placed a thumb and forefinger under his chin. He tilted Technoblade’s head to examine the bruise better. He seemed concerned, and overly careful when he winced.
“Ye-yeah. Call me Techno.” He remembered how impressed Wilbur had been when he mentioned he named himself. But he knew some people didn’t appreciate it like his not-brother.
“Alright Techno,” Dream whistled lowly at the bruise. “Let’s get some ice on that shiner, okay?”
Techno gasped and flinched out of his grip when a finger brushed against his cheek sending white hot pain through his face. “Mhm,” he hummed, trying to not acknowledge the waver. He lacked words right now that weren’t dry sobbing. His skin felt hot and he just wanted to curl into a ball. He wanted Wilbur with him.
Dream held Techno’s elbow and helped leverage himself to his feet. He stumbled and hissed as his kicked knee nearly buckled. The guard caught him. “Whoa there, slowly.”
Techno made a frustrated sound in the back of his throat and pushed away Dream’s support. He stumbled before steadying himself on the wall.
The guard’s hands intertwined with themselves nervously to stop himself from reaching out again. “Alright, this way. You know the way to the castle?”
Techno inhaled sharply, hoping Dream would brush it off as a response to pain and not the fact he knew the castle very well by this point. He nodded, biting down the nausea that rose from said action. “Yep.”
Fifteen agonizing minutes later they came to a stop in front of the gates. In those fifteen minutes it took to get there Dream had checked in on him a little over ten times.
“Sorry, sorry,” Dream rose his hands in mock surrender as Techno made a jab at him. “I just know Wilbur would be absolutely insufferable if you got, well, more hurt. He’s already gonna be pi- pretty ticked off at that prick back there, he’s lucky I’m more worried about you at the moment. What even happened there?”
“His wife,” Techno looked away from Dream’s masked face and at the grass transitioning to stone bricks. Dream held the gate open and Techno limped into the grounds. For once invited there and not sneaking in thank you very much. Techno’s face screwed in confusion. “Wait, you know Wilbur?”
“Of course. Pretty hard not to. I think everyone here knows. Here, sit there Techno. Yep, alright the servant will be back with ice soon. I don’t think you have a concussion thankfully. You hurt anywhere else?” They were in the guard’s quarters, Techno sat on some examination table. Not somewhere Techno knew particularly well. But it was one of the ways out to the yard so he’d been through it once.
Sure his palms were a little scraped up and his knee seemed to have been replaced with lava, but he’d been through worse. Dream’s masked head tilted as if to go ‘really?’ and Techno sheepishly held out his still bleeding hands, scabs broken by his constant flexing. “Knee too. And you really know him?”
Dream began slathering on some type of ointment from the kit, then covering his hands with gauze and bandaging it down. “Yep. I know you too.”
Techno’s jaw almost hit the floor as the servant came to the room with an ice pack in hand. The boy took it on autopilot and with Dream’s silent encouragement pressed it to his eye. He tensed but relaxed as it numbed the near constant pain.
“So wait,” Techno began. “You… you’ve known when I was here? This whole time?”
Dream’s shoulders shook as he held back laughter. “Yes, of course we did, kid. We’re the royal guard. We’ve followed Wilbur to the markets even, you almost lost us the first time. But Wilbur’s not as sneaky as he likes to think.”
Why so much security on some noble kid?
“And you didn’t stop me.”
Techno pulled the ice away enough to look at the man where his eyes might be. Dream tutted and prodded his good knee with a gloved finger until he pressed it back against his watery eye. As much as he refused to admit it was doing wonders already just numbing the sensitive skin.
“Nah, Wilbur is a social butterfly. You two were having fun and you looked like a sweet kid. No harm done.” He had put some bandages around his knee, it was stiff and the pressure stung. But the little pains had begun to stop.
If Techno’s face was red it was because of the cold. “Oh.” His eyes traced the patterns on the carpet.
“Yeah oh. Now, do you wanna tell me what happened here?” Dream’s voice went soft and he ducked his head to look at Techno.
Techno pursed his lips and shook his head. His free hand clenched onto the table as he swayed at the resulting dizziness. “Alright, that’s fine. You don’t have to tell me. But if you want to you can talk to anyone here”
Techno almost flinched and looked up at Dream in disbelief. Dream shuffled in place, shockingly readable despite the mask covering his features.
“Hmm, see. Uh, would you like to stay in the palace until Wilbur and King Philza get back?”
Techno’s brow furrowed. What did king Philza have anything to do with him being here? Oh, yeah. Because he was staying in his castle. “Is Wilbur with King Philza?” Techno asked, unable to smother his own curiosity.
Dream made a choking sound. “Yeah kid. Of course Wilbur is- oh. Oh, you don’t- Ah.” The guard seemed aware he had, in fact, fucked up. He winced visibly, a small shudder going through his shoulders. “I think it’s best if Wilbur explains that one.”
Techno felt a chill go up his spine. Surely Wilbur wouldn’t keep a dangerous secret right? Dream patted Techno on the shoulder. “Don’t worry too much about it, kid. I’m sure he managed to fuc- freaking forget to let you know huh?”
“Forget to let me know what?” Techno asked, almost frustrated. He didn’t like not knowing things. Surely he had all the puzzle pieces in front of his face. Right? He just needed to put them together.
“Don’t worry about it, Techno.” Dream ruffled his hair and he only just barely fought off the urge to swat at the man. “Let’s get you some dinner. I can keep you company for a bit until you get situated.”
He did have dinner. And it was a million times better than anything he and Wilbur nicked from the kitchens. Mainly because they didn’t know how to cook.
After that Dream had to leave but left him in the company of one of the castle’s cooks, Niki. Niki was kind to him, like most of the people here were.
It was weird. People in the markets, some not much better than himself, sneered and pushed him away. And the servants and guards in the castle treated him so nicely. When his eyes began drooping Niki stopped in her explanation of some dish. “Are you tired, Techno?”
Techno stubbornly shook his head. Niki hummed skeptically. “Well, I am. Would you like me to show you your room?”
He had a room for the night? Techno didn’t know what he expected. A blanket on the floor was more than some people would give him.
Pushing away his usual answers he bashfully accepted. The walk passed by quickly, the elaborate paintings along the wall absorbed all his attention. He nearly ran into Niki when she stopped to pull a key from her apron to a guest room. “Alright, Techno. Here we are.”
And then he pushed the door all the way open. He waved off Niki’s explanation of where some rooms he may need and to come find her if he needed help. She giggled in amusement as she watched his awestruck expression for a minute before closing the door and departing.
The room was huge. A bit plain but larger than he’d ever seen. The centerpiece of the room was a massive bed. He took a limping step towards it, touching the soft sheets and cover. The mattress was plush and when he jumped up onto it it sunk underneath him. He pushed the blankets and pillows around then curled up underneath them.
On the sixth day he just shadowed Dream. The man woke him up with a knock on his door. They ate breakfast and then Dream took him to the training yard.
Dream was the captain. He let Techno stay behind him and watch as he gave orders and instructed the other knights. His eyes were drawn to the glints of steel as two knights fought with swords. An intricate dance caught between show and death.
Finally one of them disarmed the other, sending the sword skidding away, falling a good ten feet from Techno. And the match was won.
A surprise nudge nearly sent him stumbling. “Do you like sword fights?”
Techno nodded vigorously. He really did.
“You want to give it a go?”
Techno’s good eye widened, the bruise on his face stung but he paid it no mind.
“Not a- not a real fight. Just to see. You’re still hurt, but when you heal up we can do a better one.”
“‘S fine with me.” His fingers twitched with the sudden urge to have one.
“I feel like that’s Techno for ‘yes I want to fight’.” Techno huffed in response.
Dream led them to a smaller area of the field. The practice mats were smaller, almost meant for- “This is where the youngest recruits practice. But it’s used more by the younger servants wanting to blow off some steam.”
He handed Techno a wooden sword. It wasn’t shiny steel but his heart raced with excitement nonetheless. Dream walked him through the stances, how to hold his sword, and parries. Techno’s brain was swimming with terms.
“Don’t worry about remembering all of this. My buddy, Sapnap, every lesson he manages to have something wrong with his stance and he’s been here for eight years.”
They fought slow, Dream’s movements slow and exaggerated. He knew the knight had to be good, he was the captain. But instead of wiping the floor with Techno he seemed to be calculating.
Dream even let Techno disarm him once and then the knight straightened up. Techno was pleased to note that Dream sounded impressed. “You’re a natural, Tech,” the man praised. “If you keep practicing you might even beat me one day.”
Techno’s eyes narrowed. He accepted that challenge. It also meant he would be practicing with Dream again? It made him… Happy. Would Dream train him?
“I mean, I can. I think Ph- uh, others may be better suited for it. But I’d be happy to cover if they’re ever too busy. And I’m up for practice when you want to show off your skills, Techno.”
Oh, he’d asked that last bit aloud. But his chest felt light, he snorted a laugh. “Can I have one?” He pointed to the dull metal practice swords.
“No, I think Wilbur’s dad would kill me.” Dream wheezed at the thought.
Techno pouted. “Tell you what, you can have the one you’re holding now.” Techno had to stop himself from cheering. He nodded, pleased. Maybe he could steal one of the fancy swords once Wilbur got back.
The rest of the day was boring. Dream walked around the field, Techno following with his new sword dragging the dirt. Dream pointed out each of the exercises the knights did and explained them. Even though Techno knew he wouldn’t remember any of these it was enjoyable.
Then it was lunchtime after which Dream stood guard somewhere in the castle. Techno sat at his feet reading- as best he could- a book Dream had handed him from the nursery when they passed. It was mostly pictures and Dream helped him sound out anything he didn’t understand.
Then dinner and Niki once again escorted him to bed.
When he woke up on the seventh day of Wilbur’s absence there was pounding at the guest bedroom door. Not Dream’s knock. His knee was better, still a bit stiff but he hobbled over to the door and opened it just to be bowled over in a blur of yellow sweater and brown hair.
Luckily the carpet was soft and Wilbur was careful enough they didn’t hit the wall. “G’off,” Techno grunted, still half-asleep and not fully processing things.
“What happened to your face,” Wilbur exclaimed. Technoblade blinked his good eye dazedly. Truthfully, most of the swelling had gone down but it still hurt.
“Dream didn’t tell me anything happened last night!” Oh, Wilbur must’ve just arrived then. “He had that stupid smug shoulder tilt when he told me to go wake you up.”
“Wilbur?”
“Yeah, Tech?”
“Can you move, your knee is in my ribs.” The other boy muttered an apology and moved. Then Wilbur’s expression brightened. The look he had when he grabbed a handful of tulips from the royal garden or a loaf of bread to split between them. Techno swallowed his dread.
“Come on, Techno! I have some people you need to meet!” And then the other boy was dragging Technoblade out from under his warm covers.
“Wil,” Techno complained, his entire body was sore from the practices Dream had shown him. “I was tryin’ to sleep. I was hoping to go back to sleep.”
Wilbur was laughing quietly at his misery and Techno walked semi-willing along. They stopped in some central room. A plain table decorated with a vase with tulips, the same kind Wilbur had picked.
Before he could think much of it, Wilbur yelled like some demented air raid siren, “Daaaaad.”
There were footsteps. Quickly approaching and Techno stiffened, fighting the urge to shrink down and out of sight behind his friend- brother? Didn’t matter. Then a frazzled looking man turned the corner and-
And- Techno’s brain malfunctioned and rebooted as he processed the sight in front of him. Identical to the paintings on shops and newspapers and even if he wasn’t there was no mistaking him.
And holy shi-no that was an adult word- shoot that was the king. King Philza Craft. And Wilbur had called for his dad. Philza had responded, that meant-
Techno’s eyes went so wide he was pretty sure he looked like he was about to pop. He felt like he was about to spontaneously combust. Wilbur was prince Wilbur.
Ohhh, he was a clown. An utter buffoon. Techno could never show his face again. This was karma for stealing so much.
“Hey mate, you alright?”
Techno couldn’t do anything but stutter as Wilbur slowly let Phil out of his hug, the brunette still beaming. With a large grin, he turned back to his father.
“This is my new brother! Meet Technoblade,” Wilbur declared cheerily.
“What?” Techno and Phil both stuttered. A woman coming around the corner, holding a baby with golden hair also said, “What?”
“Techno, meet my family. That’s my mom and this is Theseus, Tommy!”
“Wilbur, who’s this?”
“This is Techno,” Wilbur replied chearily. He moved to stand next to his brother and let Techno latch onto the back of his shirt. “I’ve decided he’s my new brother.”
Queen Kristin and King Philza looked at each other, then to Techno. They’d already heard about Techno. The boy was subject to quiet whispers among the maids and servants. Dream had proclaimed his softspot for the kid so Phil had assumed he’d dropped by.
But from the fading bruises on his face Phil suspected something else had happened. Philza wiped any of the serious interrogating looks he’d been using for the past week and smiled softly at the boy. “Nice to meet you, Technoblade.”
Techno shuffled, a sheepish look on his face. “Nice to meet you too, your majesties.”
“Just Kristin is fine,” the Queen assured, she was watching him softly and Wilbur had a smug smile on his face. He knew his parents after all, and he knew Techno. Throw a bashful new brother at doting parents and it’s instant adoption.
“Just call me Phil, mate. How about we get some breakfast and you can all get to know us all a bit better?”
Wilbur nudged Techno and the boy nodded. He was nervous but he wasn’t scared. He was excited. The butterflies in his stomach swirled as Wilbur took his hand and followed them all out, towards a future.
He couldn’t have been more glad he’d been caught stealing some stupid pendent. Not when weeks later he was presented with a stack of papers with the bolded words ‘Adoption’ across the top. He could never regret it if this was the result.
Or maybe it was always destined to happen. Maybe, no matter the universe, Wilbur and Technoblade were bound to be brothers of chaos.