I Don’t Understand (The Way You Feel)

by Crumbs_Anarchy, Onyx_Yo

Summary:

Tommy stared up at the school before him, lingering on the structural beauty. But he needed to get to class quickly, so he tore his eyes away and hurried inside the doors, taking off into a sprint. He ran up the stairs and turned a corner.

Oof-!

“…no runnin’ in the hallway.”

or, Techno finds a baby brother to take home to his family.

Chapter 1: Doctors

Notes:

Tw is at end notes so as not to spoil anything

Onyx- Hey guys! Hope you enjoy this new fic I’ve been working on with Crumbs_Anarchy!

 

 

  Tommy… he never liked it when he had morning tests. They made it so much harder to go to school after and really strained on him for the rest of the day. Tommy didn’t really have much of a choice on the matter, his mother’s word was law. He was shuffled into a white lab room and told to sit at the medical table. The room was lit by dim, white light, making Tommy dizzy as he peered up at it. 

 

   There weren’t many employees, but the ones that were present walked past the entrance to his room, some stopping by to talk about recent results with his… doctor? That’s what they called them, but they were more of a lab scientist. If there was any difference, Tommy wasn’t very sure, he kind of just thought all scientists were lab scientists. He waited for the scientists to finish up their conversation, and when it looked like they did, he watched as the doctor person, Eret, strode up to him. 

 

   “Alright, let’s give you your injection for the day. I know it’s early but we missed the proper timing yesterday so it needs to be now. We won’t be doing any more tests until tomorrow to let this one sit.” Doctor Eret explained in an unsympathetic manner. 

 

   Tommy just nodded and held out his arm as Eret took out the needle kit from a compartment in the wall and prepared the serum. Tommy was used to the feeling of the shots by now, but they never got easier. He hated them, they made his arm ache for the rest of the day each time they were injected. Sometimes it was more painful than an ache. 

 

   Eret moved to insert it, the needle glinting before, with a painful sting, it was inserted into his arm. After about two minutes, Eret removed the needle and left the room with no further comment to Tommy. A second later, another scientist, whose name he did not ask, cleaned and placed a bandage over the needle’s entry point on his arm. It was important for it not to get infected or something. Tommy wasn’t sure, they didn’t tell him much most of the time. A lot of the information he’s gathered has been from overhearing their conversations.

 

   Tommy looked up as his mother walked in, a golden cascade duck hybrid, just like he was, but she hadn’t inherited wings. Unlike him who had small, golden wings cradling his back. She didn’t miss a beat, looking at him directly, her stern green eyes causing shivers to go down his spine.

 

   “Get up now and quickly, this has already made you late for school. Remember what to say if they ask why you’re so fatigued.” She snapped and walked right back out of the room, her high heels clacking on the cold, hard floor. 

 

   Tommy quickly hopped off of the medical table, his little wings fluttering a bit as he rushed to follow his mother, almost forgetting to grab his backpack. He didn’t want another scolding from Mr. Sam, so he quickly picked it up from where he had left it. Mr. Sam was a nice teacher but he’d tell mother he’d forgotten his bag and he didn’t want to be yelled at today.

 

   Tommy sighed as he sat in the back of his mother’s car watching the world passed by through the window. It was a gloomy day which meant no recess, which made Tommy sad since recess was one of the only times he was allowed to go outside and play. Sometimes he’d have to go outside for a test, but that was never really much fun. 

 

   Tommy liked school. He got to play with Tubbo and Ranboo, but he couldn’t help but feel even more lonely when they talked about their playdates or slept over at each other's houses when he knew it would be out of the question if he even thought of asking mother. They’d ask him if he wanted to come over to play, or sleep over, and he’d just said that he’d think about it, never accepting. No matter how much he wanted to.

 

   He heard a screech as the car stopped on rough gravel and he looked out his window at the school. The structure was beautiful, you really had to admire the work that was put into the complex columns and tresses. It wasn’t an overly large school, it was a lot bigger than his house anyway, but it felt big to Tommy. It felt like a fortress that kept him safe inside. This was a place where his mom couldn’t just barge in and take him home or to the lab. He was supposed to learn here, meet new people, and become his own person. Yes, he definitely liked school.

 

   “Get out of the car already! I need to get to work.” His mother said grumpily, startling him out of his thoughts.

 

   “Okay.” He replied, opening the car door and jumping out. A second later his mom drove off, the dust from the road billowing into clouds that drifted off in the light wind.

 

   Looking back at the school, he headed towards it. He had to make it to class on time, since he had his- wait. He didn't have his backpack! He must’ve left it in the car! There went avoiding… yeah. Mr. Sam was going to be upset and tell his mom when she picked him up… there was nothing he could do about it now but get to class. 

 

   So he reluctantly continued on his way, other students appearing as he walked down the halls. There weren’t that many, considering the first period started in three minutes. Tommy had to rush, so he checked if any staff were around before breaking into a sprint. Footfalls echoing in the long hallways, he only had a flight of stairs to go up and two turns, so he scrambled up the stairs and continued running. He turned and, oof- he fell straight onto the floor.

 

   Tommy looked up at what he had collided with, and- a piglin hybrid? Correction, a BIG piglin hybrid. Just a big person overall, but Tommy had been learning a little bit about piglin hybrids in his “Hybrid History” class. So his mind felt like pointing it out. This guy was tall and muscular and hilariously pink. Tommy found it funny, at the very least. They just stared at one another, as if they were challenging each other’s wills.

 

   “…no runnin’ in the hallway.” Big pinkie said, like it was an afterthought.

 

   Ah, so he was a teacher or just a stuck up staff member or something. But Tommy had never seen him before, so was he a substitute? Weird. Tommy wasn’t sure what to say, he just looked down at his feet. What should he say? He needed to get to class but this pink guy said no running, wasn’t he always supposed to listen to adults? 

 

   Tommy felt conflicted, looking at the pink guy again to see that he had an uncomfortable expression on his face as well. Why? Did Tommy do something to upset him? Tommy tucked in his wings a bit tighter to his body and side stepped the much larger hybrid to rush to his classroom, leaving the piglin man to stand there and watch him leave.

  When Tommy reached his classroom he immediately heard the calming voice of Mr. Sam through the closed door. Tommy relaxed a bit, but was still anxious to enter the room. He didn't have his bag, he was going to get in trouble. Tommy held the hem of his shirt tightly when he walked to the door and opened it. Mr. Sam stopped speaking and Tommy could feel all the eyes of the students fall on him. Tommy was super embarrassed, warmth washing over his face and ears. His feathers ruffled as Mr. Sam addressed him. 

 

   “Ah Mr. Simons I’m glad to see you here with us though I do notice you don’t have your bag, everything ok?” Mr. Sam asked. Tommy opened his mouth but wasn’t sure what to say so he shut it again. The silence was deafening so he just nodded and walked to his seat next to his friends Tubbo and Ranboo, who both gave him friendly smiles. Tommy tried to smile back but was finding it hard not to just hide under his wings in shame.

 

   “As I was saying, class, it’s important to add all sides of the hexagon…” Tommy let Mr. Sam’s words drift into background noise. He’d like to pay more attention in his class, but math was… well shit. Tommy wasn’t bad at it. He just didn’t enjoy it. He liked problem solving and getting the right answer and everything, but he’d much rather be doing other things. Like… he didn’t know really. He just liked other classes like art and hybrid history more. Reading was fun, when he didn’t have to be the one doing it. He loved listening to the stories that Ms. Puffy taught in hybrid history.

 

   “Tommy… Thomas.” Sam’s voice had risen slightly, causing him to stop daydreaming. “There’s someone here for you, a uhhh… tutor? Did you say?”

 

   It was big pinkie! In the doorway. He stood tall, eyes scanning the room menacingly. But Tommy noticed how he was fidgeting nervously, shifting his feet and rubbing his clothing. Sam was looking at him for a response and this guy nodded his head in confirmation. He was a tutor? For what, sports? Actually… that would mean he’d get to go outside, even though it’s misty and cold. Rain would come soon, but Tommy didn’t care much.

 

   “Alright, yes. He’s a tutor and he’ll be doing some one-on-one lessons with you during class. So please, get up from your seat and follow him.” Sam told Tommy, looking confused, but not arguing. 

 

   Ranboo and Tubbo peered at him curiously, as if he had any idea what was going on, but Tommy just shrugged and walked to the doorway that big pinkie exited. The door closed behind him and the piglin dude almost deflated in… relief? Annoyance maybe? Tommy couldn’t place it. They locked eyes and silence stretched on once again. Tommy had to say something to break it, so he did.

 

   “Er- are you? My, I mean, a tutor? Are you going to take me outside?” He asked awkwardly.

 

   “…yes.” The… tutor? Responded.

 

   “Well are we going then? And, uh, what’s your name? I keep referring to you as ‘Big Pinkie’ in my head.” Tommy spat out, not really thinking about his words.

 

   “…Techno.”

  Tommy’s face made one of confusion. What kind of a name was Techno? Techno chuckled, amused.

 

   “It’s a Piglin thing, Brute's are given strange names to differentiate us as children.” Techno explained, Tommy thought about the statement then nodded. It made sense from what Ms. Puffy had explained about Piglins. 

 

   Techno motioned for Tommy to follow him and began to walk down the hallway to another classroom. Tommy did follow, but it was hard to keep up with the piglin’s large strides. Tommy was smaller than average, he’d heard the doctors talking about it with his mother and many of the kids his age joked about it at school. Techno eventually noticed and paused so Tommy could catch up. He opened the classroom door and waited for Tommy to enter first, so he did.

 

   Glancing around the room, it looked… oddly familiar. But he knew he’d never been in this room. It was a class for older students, he thought. He wondered why Techno would’ve brought him here, when… when he had said they were going outside. A detour? But for what?

 

   Tommy was about to turn around when his eyes caught something unmistakable. Test tubes. Microscopes. They lined the shelves to his left. His breathing got sharper, quicker. They were in a lab? This, what, this wasn’t? No, no no no. He was done with lab tests today. Techno wouldn’t bring him for more tests, his mother had told him he was done. This wasn’t happening, it shouldn’t have been happening. He was at school! It’s safe here. It’s safe here, it’s supposed to be safe here.

 

   He whipped around, facing Techno, and gulped as he watched the brute close and… lock the door to the classroom. No. Why? Why did he have to do all these tests? The stupid tests… always a test. They wanted to know everything about him, to do what? Give him medicine that makes him feel weird. Help him? It never felt like helping. But he had to let them do it. He was just a kid, and his mother was in charge of him.

 

   Techno took a step towards him and Tommy scrambled backwards, unwilling to let him get closer. 

 

   “Stay away! Please, I don’t- I wasn’t supposed to have any more tests today. I was supposed to be done.” His voice shook, he felt so terrible. He didn’t know why, why wouldn’t he expect this? This was how things worked after all. Every day.

 

   The piglin took a step back, holding his hands out.

 

   “Woah woah woah, calm down, er, kid. Jus’, don’t panic, I only have to do one, one test. It won’t hurt or anythin’ either, promise.” Techno spoke frantically, like he didn’t know how to deal with a panicking kid. And Tommy wasn’t panicking he was just reasonably upset and slightly afraid. Whatever, he wasn’t going to trust this guy again, they all said that. Every single time. And they lied.

 

   Tommy took a few more stumbling steps back, but crashed into a desk and chair, falling to the ground. He tried to get up and get further away, but suddenly two arms were around him, engulfing him in a… hug? More of a brace. Probably to stop him from moving. His wings twitched in slight annoyance, but the presence of someone else’s breathing slowed his heart down, his own breaths coming out more and more even.

 

   “It’s, it’s okay. I’m gonna sit ya down on a desk, do a quick test, and then ya can leave, okay?” Techno said, voice steady now that Tommy had calmed down.

 

   Tommy supposed that he couldn’t have avoided it anyway, so he nodded his head. A second later he was lifted from the ground and the arms released him. As promised, he was sat on a desk with Techno looking at him like he was about to bounce. Tommy totally could’ve taken this guy down and left… but he also really didn’t want to get in trouble with his mother any more than he was going to. So he sat quietly in anticipation.

 

   Techno let a breath out once a few seconds passed and gave Tommy a… look.

 

   “So, I’ve jus’ gotta do a… blood sample. That… okay?” Techno asked. None of the other scientists ever asked Tommy that. They never asked if it was okay with him. Although he figured he didn’t actually have a choice this time either, this guy was just being polite. 

 

   “I guess, sure. Also, you don’t really act like a scientist. I know you are, cause you’re doing tests. But you act weird, very not scientist-like.” Tommy said, feeling the need to point it out.

 

   “Oh, well. I’m not one of the other scientists. I’m a different scientist.” Techno explained, a bit awkwardly.

 

   “What kind of scientist are you then?” Tommy asked, he was very suspicious. He didn’t even know there were different kinds of scientists, that didn’t make any sense.

 

   “Oh uh, well, er, I’m a hybrid scientist. Sorta.” Which was weird, Tommy didn’t know that if you were a hybrid you were a different scientist.

 

   “But the scientists work for my mother, or at least she said so, and she never mentioned having a hybrid scientist.” He said, thoroughly confused. If Techno was a scientist about to do a test on him, then he worked for his mother, and his mother always liked to tell him about how the scientists are working for her. She’d describe what each of them did and their names and stuff. Tommy didn’t really listen, but he thought he’d notice if she said one was a hybrid, like them.

 

   “…”

 

   “I don’t work for yer mom kid.”

 

 

Notes:

Tw: Tests, experiments, talk of experiments, self belittling, light swearing, forced hugs.

Onyx- Make sure to eat, drink, and sleep regularly! Love you guys!

Chapter 2: More Doctors?

Notes:

Tws at end notes!

Onyx - hey guys, enjoy another chapter!

Tommy couldn’t quite compute what Techno had told him. His whole life he had never met a scientist that wasn’t associated with his mother. How could one exist outside of the scope of his lifes? A scientist had to work for someone. And as far as Tommy understood, that someone was his mother.

“What do you mean?” Tommy asked, breaking the silence that stretched on after Techno’s statement. Techno looked away from Tommy, probably attempting to think of a way to explain so that Tommy understood.

“Well er, some scientists don’t work for anyone, they jus’ wanna help hybrids by learnin’ more about them. Then they can uh, use that information to make life easier for hybrids.” Techno talked slowly as if he was thinking carefully before he said each word.

“I’m one of those scientists and Avian hybrids like yerself are very uncommon, ‘specially as children, so I uh, wanna study ya.” Techno said awkwardly, an uncertain expression revealing how unsure he was of how Tommy would react.

Tommy stared at Techno as he listened, then looked over at his little wings and shuffled them a bit. That made sense to Tommy, he had never seen any other Avian hybrids, besides him and his mother, but Tommy still didn’t want to take the blood test. They hurt whenever the needle got jabbed in, Tommy held his arm close to his chest just thinking about it. But… Tommy knew he wasn’t supposed to disobey adults. Mother and many other adults had told him this. Tommy let out a meek whimper, but he still held out his arm to Techno.

“Fine, but just hurry okay? I have classes.” Tommy said tiredly, he just hoped Techno would be a bit gentler than some of the scientists were. They weren’t terrible, but sometimes it felt like they had pushed the needle in harder than they needed too.

“Alright, it won’t hurt, jus’ a pinch. But I need ya to stay here ‘till I get the results.” Techno explained in a determined manner. Tommy knew he wasn’t messing around, Techno really meant what he said. So, instead of risking repercussions, he knew he had to listen.

He nodded his head and Techno grunted fondly, turning to the equipment behind him. Tommy fiddled with the fabric of his shirt and his golden wings shifted and twitched nervously against his back. Techno returned with a small needle and some disinfectant. Tommy watched as he prepared the needle, it was a little different than the ones he was used to. Thinner and shorter, it looked cheap too, he guessed that’s what you would expect from school supplies though.

Techno gently lifted Tommy’s arm and held up the needle, but waited till Tommy gave a little nod before he continued. The needle pierced his pale skin, stinging. When Tommy blinked, it was gone, replaced by a disinfectant soaked rag. The needle was only half full, and soon his tiny wound, smaller than the scars surrounding it, was covered with a bandage.

“That’s… it?” Tommy asked, a bit dazed by how quickly Techno had finished.

“Yeah, that’s all I needed, yer good to go. ‘Cept… not. Until I get results from a better lab than a chemistry classroom. Ya gotta wait till then.” Tommy studied Techno while he spoke, still weirded out by the hybrid scientist’s actions. What Techno did was very scientist-like, just, also not. And this adult sure acted weird, adulting wise. Techno expected Tommy to listen to him, like adults normally do, but he also did it weird? He doesn’t act the same way. He looks at Tommy too much, gets too close.

“Um.. okay.” Tommy responded quietly, stuck in his head. He didn’t pay attention as Techno put everything away and tidied the space used, so he didn’t catch where Techno ended up putting the syringe with his blood in it.

Thinking about it, it made sense that a hybrid scientist would work for a hybrid school. Of course there would be scientists at school too, he just hadn’t participated in any of the tests yet. He bet the other students had by now, including Ranboo and Tubbo. Why hadn’t they told him about it? Was it just not something you talked about, like his mother told him? She was usually right, but sometimes… sometimes he hoped she wasn’t. Especially about school. Or his friends.

“So, are we just going to wait here the whole time, or can I finish my classes? I don’t have to, but the whole ‘stay here till I get results’ thing wasn’t super clear.” Tommy asked abruptly, looking up as Techno’s attention settled on him. The piglin hybrid’s brows creased thoughtfully.

“I s’pose long as ya stay in the school ya should be fine. But yer class shoulda ended by now, so we can go to yer lunch period.” Techno nodded his head to himself, stepping to the door.

Tommy stepped down tentatively from the desk he sat at, cradling his arm despite the lack of pain. He tried to hide his nervousness. Despite how he should’ve expected this, he still felt unprepared for the events of the day. He wouldn’t confront it, but this whole situation was unsettling to him. It should’ve felt normal, another day of listening to another adult. But it didn’t.

Techno unlocked and opened the door for Tommy. He exited into the hallway and Techno led the way to the cafeteria, even though Tommy was familiar with it. He went to this school after all. But adults always saw him as incompetent, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Following Techno was difficult, he didn’t stop, his gait steady with large, sturdy strides. Tommy’s own steps were uncoordinated and he struggled to keep up with Techno’s brisk, determined pace.

When they arrived in the cafeteria, Tommy spotted his friends… but he wasn’t feeling particularly like spending an entire meal with them at the moment. He still felt… sour, after his realization. Ranboo and Tubbo wouldn’t miss him for one afternoon, he’d just eat with Techno. Tommy also thought Techno would’ve wanted that anyway, a part of him suspected Techno was only joining him to ensure Tommy didn’t go back on his word.

“Right, what would ya like?” Techno asked, referring to the fairly large set of options. Anything that wasn’t the designated meals for each day cost money, which he had never been given, so he had not tried the other options. He stared at Techno, who just stood waiting for an answer. Tommy randomly pointed at one of the items, still a little confused, but Techno just nodded and bought the food from the lunch lad at the counter.

Techno handed him a bowl of potato and corn chowder, holding one of his own in his other hand. Tommy reached out to take his from Techno, expression relaxing at the prospect of good food, but Techno held the bowl back from him, pointing to a table farther from the rest of the students.

“It’s too hot, lemme set it down first.” Techno explained calmly, leading him to the table he had pointed out seconds earlier.

“I’m a big man, I think I can handle a little bit of hot soup.” Tommy spoke. He was entirely serious, there was no way he was letting some chowder defeat him.

Techno looked unimpressed, turning away in disregard. It hurt, for a split second, and then Tommy reached out for his bowl while the scientist wasn’t looking. He managed to take hold of the lip of the bowl, pulling it in his direction, but it tipped and the soup came spilling out onto his hand. Techno started in surprise, whipping around, and Tommy drew his hand back in quickly to hide his burn.

“Hey! Careful!” Techno snarled under his breath, face contorted in anger. But once he caught sight of Tommy sheltering his hand, he softened his features in sympathy.

Techno tried to reach out to Tommy, but his hands were full, so he set them down at the nearest table and quickly approached him. Tommy took a clumsy step back, a knee-jerk reaction. He scrunched his eyes up, then blinked quickly. Techno hesitated, standing still.

“I-I just wanted to… to carry my own bowl. It’s stupid, I’m sorry. Sorry.” Tommy stumbled even over his own words.

Techno sighed. He should have expected that reaction out of Tommy, but it still hurt to see the kid so anxious. It made Techno’s heart squeeze painfully. This kid was holding back his pain when a normal kid his age would’ve started crying and looking for comfort. Then again, Tommy wasn’t exactly a normal kid, and that’s what made him so interesting.

“Hey, it’s fine kid, I was jus’ scared ya got hurt is all. I know ya didn’t mean to, are ya okay? Does yer hand hurt?” Techno asked gently. Tommy looked at Techno nervously, waiting for him to yell again, still holding his burnt hand close to his chest. It hurt a bunch, but Tommy didn’t want to make a fuss over something he shouldn’t.

“... I wanna go back to class.” Tommy said, trying to hold back his tears, he wanted Tubbo and Ranboo. They always made him feel better when he was hurt. Tommy just wanted to get this stupid test over with, he hated tests. Why did he need to stay? They never made him stay at the facility. They never wanted him there longer than he absolutely had to be. What was different this time? Why was Techno so different? If Techno was a hybrid scientist at a hybrid school, why did Tommy have to stay with Techno instead of roaming the school like normal?

“Uhhh… why don’t ya eat first? Then we can talk about it. Okay?” Techno said uncomfortably, pointing at the bowls of soup that were left on the table.

“Okay…” Tommy would agree, for now. Admittedly, he was very hungry too. But that didn’t sway his decision or anything. Totally.

They walked back to the table together, finding it empty, and sat down. Tommy’s soup was still pretty hot, but he took a sip right away anyway. It burnt his tongue and he spit it out, spluttering and blowing awkwardly in an attempt to somehow get it cooler. Techno chuckled, blowing on his own food before eating it.

“I told ya it was too hot.” Techno grumbled under his breath from across the table. Tommy huffed and decided to ignore the piglin hybrid. His hand still hurt a bit, and his tongue definitely did, the soup bland without working taste buds.

“This soup sucks, it’s fuckin’ stupid.” Tommy mumbled loudly through a mouthful of said soup. “Who even eats this stuff? It doesn’t even taste any good.”

“Like you would know.” Techno said slyly, obviously referring to Tommy’s haste, which had ultimately led to punishment. Who was the soup to punish him for being hungry? Nobody, that’s who. It’s soup, it doesn’t exist as an intelligent being.

“I totally would, I would absolutely know what this soup tastes like cause it tastes like shit, it does. Shit that has been thrown in the dumpster, at least five times. One hundred percent Techno, this is shit soup. And I ain’t eating shit soup, you got me?” Tommy pushed his bowl away from him, folding his arms to make a point.

“Eat. It’s good soup. You’re jus’ bein’ a baby.” Techni said, straight faced. Dang it! Techno continued to be unfazed by his antics, usually Tommy could get a rise out of just about anyone… get them to leave him alone that way. But Techno just, accepted it. Accepted him. Whatever, if this bitch was going to be difficult, then maybe he could eat a little more.

“I am NOT a baby, I am a big fucking man, and men eat lots, so I will prove how BIG I am by eating this shit soup, even though it’s shit.” Tommy conceded, pulling the bowl back towards himself and bringing a large spoonful of soup to his mouth. He did blow on it, but that was only because he didn’t feel like getting burned again.

Techno chuckled quietly and Tommy sat in silence, enjoying his not actually shit soup.

Notes:

Tw: unhealthy thought process, self belittling, swearing, tests, and hiding wounds.

 

Onyx - So, what do you think? Let me and Crumbs know in the comments! We adore reading them and appreciate each and every one of you, from silent readers to avid theorists! Drink some water and get some good sleep <3

Chapter 3: NOT A REAL UPDATE - ANNOUNCEMENTS

Summary:

Things need to be said.

   Hello everyone! It’s Onyx here as known on Ao3 and I wanted to make a statement about Shubble’s brave confession and Wilbur’s… distasteful response, and how that will be affecting my fics from this point forward.

 

   To start, I’m really proud of Shelby for coming out and sharing what happened to her. It’s a terrible situation, but by speaking about it, she was able to spread awareness of domestic abuse and turn something that caused hurt into something that could help people. She deserves lots of love and support, thank you Shelby!

 

   Now, I’m… I’ve never personally experienced abuse, but who hasn’t been manipulated? It’s a very hard topic on its own and to see that someone I had once looked up to for his music and writing prowess has used those tactics to accomplish something so hurtful is heartbreaking and shocking. Wilbur as a character is completely separate from him, as us as a fandom have claimed the character and developed him in a million different ways to make him ours. Despite that, because of my own discomfort and for others, I will not be writing any new fics with Wilbur in them nor will fics that I was planning to introduce him in include him in later chapters, i.e. this one. For fics with him already included, I will be turning him into an oc if he is important enough of a character in the story. Otherwise he will be cut out.

 

   Now that the hard stuff is over with, I have an announcement about this fic. Crumbs and I have decided to continue writing it as of today! We both deeply enjoy writing together and can’t wait to show all of you what we had planned for this fic! Thank you all for reading our fic and for those of you who are reading this announcement, thank you for your patience and for taking the time to read these statements.

Chapter 4: The Scientist’s Mind

Summary:

   “Why do you care? Why aren’t you just sticking me with the needle and going, just for it to repeat. Day after day after…” Techno looked up and Tommy’s eyebrows were scrunched together in frustration as he spoke. “Just.. get it over with, okay?” So Techno did, he picked up the needle and gently injected it.

 

Techno thought he knew what this was about. Was this an issue he faced? With the bad scientists? Were they… no, surely not? Whatever. Techno was now determined to get to the bottom of this, so he didn’t care if he was being too direct or his cover was being blown.

Notes:

Techno pov! Crumbs and I are so happy to work on this again, hope you enjoy your food! - Onyx

   To say Techno was frustrated would be an understatement. Techno had waited half a week and Thomas Simons’ results were still inconclusive, which was more than abnormal. The kid himself was … concerning on many levels, to say the least. Sure, every child had an aversion to needles, usually, but he seemed to have a reason behind it, though Techno wasn’t quite sure why. Maybe the kid was sick when he was young and that was why. He was rather small for his age and looked as if a strong gust of wind could easily blow him away. 

 

   Techno sighed. He’d spoken to Phil over the phone about the kid and how he wasn’t sure if they should continue the testing. Phil almost agreed with him but when Phil had found out Tommy was an avian all hope of that option was thrown out of the window. Phil had always been fond of children and had practically adopted some of his colleagues, Techno included. Techno ran his hands through his long pink hair as he looked over Tommy’s test charts for the umpteenth time and again he saw almost no change to the numbers, hell some of them even went down which worried Techno even more.

 

   Techno glanced at his phone and noticed the time, it was almost time for him to leave and “tutor” Tommy. Techno sighed and stood up from the desk he’d been sitting at and left his office, passing the kitchen where Phil hummed softly as he made pancakes. Techno smiled and grabbed his coat, “I’m off Phil, be back later.” Techno called out as he left their apartment and headed to his car to drive to Tommy’s school.

 

   Techno arrived at the middle school and parked, grabbing his bag with all his equipment inside as he entered, nodding to the woman at the front desk and quickly walking to the empty science lab he used. As he turned the corner Techno was surprised to see the small golden blonde haired boy already waiting outside the door, Tommy turned to look at him but said nothing as he just waited for Techno to open the door for the two of them to go inside.

 

   Once in the science classroom, Tommy still didn’t say anything, electing to sit down and wait for Techno to take the blood draw. Techno didn’t mind the silence, but the young boy did seem put off about something. So Techno decided to speak up. “So uh… how was class? Today? Or. Lately. In general.” He stopped talking, maybe he shouldn’t have said anything at all.

 

   “Fine.” Tommy breathed out, like he had been holding his breath the whole time he’d been in the room. Something was wrong, different anyway. Giving Tommy more attention, Techno realized just how tense he was. Something must’ve happened.

 

   But Techno had no idea how to figure out what. So… he asked.

 

   “Did somethin’ happen?” He sounded more bored than he wanted to, but that was just how his voice tended to come off as. Bored. Not curious or concerned like he was. When did he start getting concerned? Probably a while ago, he would’ve moved on to some other test subject at this point otherwise.

 

   “No… not. Not really.” Tommy’s voice was timid. Techno looked up from his equipment - which he had brought from his own lab this time - and noticed that Tommy was staring at the needle in his hand. Last time Techno came over, Tommy seemed fine with the needle, or at least a lot better than he had been the first day. What could’ve happened between then and now to reinvigorate his fear?

 

   “Are ya sure? Yer lookin’ a little… spooked.” Techno tried not to be too intrusive, but typically Tommy would at least make some jabs at him, maybe crack a few jokes to hide any pain. But he just looked… so small right now. Like a little tiny golden bird with a broken wing, too weak to move. Little golden bird. Gold.

 

   No. Not right now. Right now he had to pay attention.

 

   “I- yes, I’m sure.” Tommy didn’t call him any names, didn’t swear at him, yeah something was up.

 

   “I don’t buy it kid. Ya can tell me.” Techno finished the prep and brought the needle over to Tommy, motioning for Tommy to hold out his arm. “I’ve got time ta hang around if ya want, after this.” Tommy held out his arm reluctantly, eyes still staring straight at the needle. Techno set it down beside him to clean the area where the vein he wanted to use was, right in the bend opposite his elbow.

 

   “Why do you care? Why aren’t you just sticking me with the needle and going, just for it to repeat. Day after day after…” Techno looked up and Tommy’s eyebrows were scrunched together in frustration as he spoke. “Just.. get it over with, okay?” So Techno did, he picked up the needle and gently injected it.

 

   Techno thought he knew what this was about. Was this an issue he faced? With the bad scientists? Were they… no, surely not? Whatever. Techno was now determined to get to the bottom of this, so he didn’t care if he was being too direct or his cover was being blown.

 

   “Is it the lab? Did something happen there?” Tommy didn’t respond. “What happened there Tommy? Tell me.” Techno knew his instincts were compelling him, but he didn’t really care. The needle was practically forgotten with his instincts on the fritz, telling him he had to protect Tommy.

 

   “Ha, man, nothing happened. I mean, besides getting stabbed almost everyday with my mom’s consent, but I just love that, it’s just greaaaat . Mhm. Totally normal shit.” Tommy wasn’t looking at him, just staring at the floor like it uh, killed his mom or something. His hands curled up on either side of him and Techno reached out a hand to grab one of Tommy’s.

 

   Techno’s brain was screaming at him to hold Tommy close, the small golden bird, his small golden boy. Gold . Techno reigned in his instincts with a sinking stomach. He must’ve- ha, he must’ve imprinted. Shit. But first. Tommy just told him he got stabbed everyday at that lab. What did he mean by stabbed ??? 

 

   Things just weren’t making sense. Techno quickly scanned Tommy’s body up and down to see if there were any signs of injury. He couldn’t spot any other than a few bandaids on his knees, but… but weren’t those normal for kids? Fuck, Techno didn’t know. He wasn’t your average kid when he was young, Phil could attest to that. 

 

   Fuck that’s right, Phil, how the hell was he going to explain that he imprinted onto the kid to Phil? Techno shook his head, doing his best to push away the encroaching fog of his instincts and looked at Tommy. He was still looking down at the ground but his expression had changed, it was back to his normal apathetic stare and Techno felt his heart squeeze dangerously at the thought of Tommy being upset.

 

   His runt was upset, this wasn’t right, why wouldn’t they tell him what’s wrong? Techno asked himself anxiously as he opened his mouth to finally speak. “What - what do ya mean stabbed ?” Techno asked and immediately felt Tommy’s heartbeat quicken as Techno held onto his tiny wrist. Tommy’s eyes also widened as if he had realized he’d said something he shouldn’t have.

 

   Tommy didn’t move but his breathing began to become a bit ragged and before Techno could realize what Tommy planned to do, the blonde wrenched his arm away from Techno’s grasp and then yanked out the needle that Techno had forgotten was still in Tommy’s arm and then the small boy ran, sprinted to the door and ran out of the room.

 

   Techno didn’t move; he just sat there in shock, not really registering that his gold had left. His gold . Techno snapped to reality and shot up, but didn’t move towards the door. Just watched where his little gold avian had fled. Leaving only a small collection of gold feathers behind, floating down to the ground.

 

   Picking them up, he sniffed and honed into Tommy’s scent. Runt. Gold. This way. He followed his instincts to where Tommy had run, the bathroom. Inside, Tommy hid under the sink, sobbing. His cries were muffled by his arm, he was biting it. Techno felt a pang in his heart. This was his runt . He had to do something.

 

   Tommy spotted him, his cries stopping short, replaced by hics and sniffles. Eyes wide, the runt stared at him like Techno was going to hurt him. One wrong move and Tommy would dash away again. Techno chuffed, trying to calm him down. But Tommy didn’t react, which Techno shouldn’t have expected him to, he wasn’t a piglin hybrid, he was an avian. His instincts couldn’t recognize that right now, so he had to control them if he wanted to handle this correctly.

 

   “Tommy? Is it okay if I touch ya? Jus’ wanna make sure yer okay.” Tommy watched him carefully, but after a second his gaze drifted and he nodded numbly. Techno wasn’t fully convinced Tommy could take being touched right now, but his instincts wouldn’t let him continue without at least checking Tommy over.

 

   “I’m gonna take a look at ya, I’m not gonna hurt ya.” He made sure to say that to Tommy before he started, so that Tommy knew what to expect. Techno gently lifted one of Tommy’s legs and inspected it. The bandages were thick around random areas, no real sense or reason to the injuries. They looked like they were the same type of injury, just in a wide range of places. There was no doubt now… this was intentional. And it wasn’t just his legs. Underneath his sleeve, another bandage poked out.

 

   Who was to say how many were under the rest of his clothes?

 

   Who… who would do this? To his runt ? To his gold ? 

 

   Techno decided then. Tommy said that his mother had consented to this, that she was okay with that lab, those fucking terrible scientists, hurting her kid. Techno wasn’t letting her have him. 

 

   He’d have to call Phil.

Notes:

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