Chapter Text
He wakes up warm— too warm, yet he doesn't want to move away.
He doesn't find the will to open his eyes, letting himself bask in the haziness of sleep with warmth surrounding him on all sides. He’s never really been this warm in his life. He sinks into it, even if he feels like he's in an oven, curling in on himself more as he drifts off again.
He wakes up again to something touching his wings. He lays in his drowsy state, trying to figure out what was going on.
His feathers were being sifted through, gently, slowly, put back into place and preened. It felt nice, as his sore wings were being taken care of by someone kind and gentle. They must be flock, Tommy hazily realizes, everything clicking into place.
Yes, flock was taking such good care of him.
He lets out a happy trill and sinks further into the warmth, drifting off to soft words as happiness swells in his chest at the thought of flock taking care of him.
The next time he wakes he's laying on something warm, with something strewn over his back, keeping him in place. He lets himself float in the warmth around him, slowly trying to figure out what was going on around him. He feels really exhausted, his whole body aching and with every breath he takes in his lungs burn.
He scrunches up his nose, trying to figure out why he feels like this. His head is all foggy and his memories are all blurring together. He doesn't even know where he was at the moment.
He decides that maybe he should try and figure out what was going on.
He opens his eyes, blinking away the crust around them as he focuses his blurry vision. It’s dark, but he thinks thats just from the red blanket thrown around him. He’s completely covered up, under the weight of blankets, basically cocooned in. It’s nice, and makes him feel safer and calmer, as he takes in everything going on.
It takes him way to long to notice that the surface he is laying on is moving, going up and down as the person he was sleeping on breathes. He can hear their heartbeat thumping in their chest, steady and rhythmic, almost like background noise.
He closes his eyes as his head starts to hurt.
Was he— was he laying on Technoblade?
That thought has him scrambling to sit up, his hands fumbling for solid ground to push himself up. He was in fact laying on Techno’s chest as the blankets fall from around his shoulders, leaving his skin open to the cold.
Wait, his skin— he was only wearing a t-shirt with no fucking sleeves, and some kind of pajama pants and socks, but his wings were exposed.
The arm around his waist tightens as he’s pushed back down onto his chest, a huff coming from the hybrid as he prevents Tommy from flipping the fuck out.
“Calm, Theseus.” He says as he smushes Tommy’s face back against his chest, right underneath his chin, “You’re fine.” He hums, like Tommy was some scared animal. Tommy’s instincts should be freaking the fuck out right now, demanding him to run or hide or anything— besides from being silent and calm.
It felt so wrong. He was in the arms of a predator— he shouldn’t be this calm right now!
“Let me— let me go, prick.” Tommy says with a raspy voice, trying to lift himself back up with shaky arms but Techno keeps his grip firm, giving him no leeway.
“You need to rest.” He says, his red eyes meeting his, “Its good that you’re finally coherent enough now, but you can’t overdo it, kid.” He grumbles, his other hand settling in his hair, his fingers running through the strands. Tommy tenses up at the foreign touch, holding his breath as his fingers brush the bottom of his neck before moving back up to the top of his head.
Techno keeps doing it, over and over— basically petting his fucking hair. At some point Tommy just gives up being scared, accepting his fate as he closes his eyes again, letting Techno run his fingers through his hair.
He wouldn't ever admit it but it did feel kind of nice.
“Rest,” Techno says, “Go back to sleep. You’ll be safe.” He says, and then chuffs something to him that he doesn’t understand but he gets the idea nonetheless.
Tommy mutters some curses under his breath, getting an amused huff from Techno as he scratches behind his ear in a gentle and soothing way. Tommy leans his head into his hand, craving more, and Techno happily obliges, cradling his head in his hands as he holds him.
“You’re se sweet, Theseus.” He purrs, a deep rumbling thing in his chest, drawing Tommy under more, “So sweet, just for me.” His hand tightens in his hair for a moment before he chuffs again, tucking his head further under his chin.
Tommy grumbles his complaint at being disturbed before settling back down, lulled into sleep from the soft purr and warmth.
The next time he wakes he’s curled up into a ball, one of his arms resting against Techno’s chest and the other holding onto Technos arm. He blearily blinks open his eyes, noting how dim it was in the tent before he sees his wing draped across Techno without a care in the world.
He locks up, his eyes pinned on his wing and his feathers— how it was just out in the open, vulnerable.
Yet nothing has been done to them. Actually his feathers look really nice, all sifted through and clean. It makes him pause, narrowing his eyes as he tries to remember when he preened them.
“Theseus.” Techno grumbles before he sits up, gently lifting his wing off of himself and settling it by Tommy as he untangles his arm from his grip. Tommy quickly sits up too, folding his wings behind his back in a hurry as he meets Techno’s gaze.
Tommy still feels sore and achy and his throat hurts, but his wings feel the best they’ve felt in months and Tommy feels safe— no matter how wrong he thinks it should feel.
“Tech— Techno?” He asks, his voice raspy from disuse as he shrinks in on himself, wanting to hide his wings away.
“Are you hungry?” Techno asks, shuffling around a couple bags. Techno looks like a mess with his long pink hair all over the place and his creased white shirt. Tommy curls in on himself, wrapping a blanket around his back to hide his wings. He mutely nods his head, trying to figure out everything that was going on with wide eyes.
“Okay, I’ll heat up some meat, just wait in here.” Techno hums, grabbing a satchel before starting to leave the tent.
Tommy watches him owlishly as he leaves, letting in a cool breeze. It was starting to get dark out and it was fucking cold. He lays back down in the mess of blankets and clothes, his back to the far wall of the tent and his eyes pinned on the flap.
He can hear Techno outside, setting up a fire, shuffling around in the snow as he moves around logs.
He could try and run— escape. It would be so easy to take the knife that was sitting out and cut a hole in the back of the tent and book it without a second fucking thought.
As he eyes up the knife he can’t bring himself to move, to go through with it. He just lays there, feeling weak and helpless, his eyes drifting back to where Techno was. He kind of wants him to come back in the tent as he feels a little freaked out without his presence right beside him. It doesn't feel safe anymore.
A quiet, sad warble leaves his lips but he slaps a hand over his mouth, hoping Techno didn't hear him.
The piglin makes no note of hearing the noise as he continues on as if nothing happened.
Some time later after the smell of cooking meat fills the air Techno returns with a chunk of meat on a stick. It was throughly cooked Tommy notes as he sits back up, perking up more now that Techno was back.
“Here, don’t touch the meat, its hot.” Techno says, handing him the stick, “Let if cool off for a couple moments.” He hums, bringing in another stick of his own with an even bigger chunk of meat on it. Tommy scrunches up his nose at the sight but doesn't say anything as he stares at his food.
“You know it was pretty unlucky that you feel through someone’s old ice fishing hole.” Techno grumbles, taking a bite of his food without even blowing on it, “You’re lucky I found you when I did, otherwise you might have been dragged back under.”
Tommy shivers at the memory, curling in on himself, glancing at Techno.
He— he saved him.
The thought made him pause. Techno could have just let him die. Techno had been trying to kill him but he didn’t. Why did he care so much? Did being an avian really change his mind this much?
Tommy sniffles, glancing back down at his meat.
“Right.” He says, “real fucking unlucky.” He grumbles, wiping at his nose. “Why didn’t you let me die?” He can’t help but ask. Tommy, no matter how much he would like to say he's a good person isn't. He’s done a lot of bad things to survive, he's killed— some would say that he deserves death for the things he's done.
But Tommy doesn't want to die. He was only sixteen, damned to a life of hiding but it was his life— he wasn't ready to throw it all away yet.
“Because, Tommy, you’re mine.” Techno says simply, his red eyes intense, “I take care of what is mine.” He pauses, his face softening ever so slightly, “I care about you, kid. I wasn't going to let you freeze to death.”
Tommy tries to hide his wince at the word mine but Techno catches in anyways. He doesn't look the smallest bit remorseful or guilty at all.
“Right…” He mumbles, taking a small tentative bit of his food, “So, what now?” He asks, “Are you going to chain me up forever? Lock me in a prison cell, keep me from ever seeing the outside again—“
“No, kid.” Techno sighs, cutting him off.
“We’re going home, your new home.” He says with a hint of a smile on his face.
Tommy meets his gaze with a doubtful look of his own but he can’t help the tiniest bit of hope settle in his chest, take root in his heart, that maybe Techno was actually good. That he wasn't going to hurt Tommy.
It all seemed to good to be true.
~~~~
The next day Tommy is still weak but getting better. They travel for a couple hours with Techno walking right beside him the whole entire time, basically hiding him under his red cloak. It helps keep him warm and the pace is slow enough where it isn't to taxing on his body.
Techno doesn't bother tying him up, which was a little insulting, because Tommy really couldn't escape. Techno had proven that. It was almost as if the piglin was tempting Tommy to try and run again just so he could hunt him down and prove how pointless it was.
Tommy was really tempted to still try and attempt an escape, eyeing the knives and all the chances he gets to act. But he would probably be to weak to get even a mile away, let alone survive the night by himself.
By the time Tommy trips over his feet for the second time Techno decides to settle down for the night.
Tommy has no complaints, standing in the cold while Techno sets up the shitty green tent. He does nothing to help, just watching and commenting on how poorly Techno was doing. The piglin just shakes his head amusedly, glancing back over at him every now and then.
Finally he gets it set up and Tommy goes inside, leaving his boots outside so he gets no snow in the tent.
He was tired and hungry, as he sinks down into the corner he’s claimed. He’s a little cold, too, and it was mildly annoying but he kept quiet. If he even mentioned that he was cold then Techno would drag him in and hold him until he warmed up to the piglins liking.
“I’m hungry.” Tommy complains as Techno throws his cloak inside. Tommy eyes it, giving it a glare before glancing at Techno.
“I know,” He grumbles, “Its like you haven't already told me ten times.”
“What? Me, never.” Tommy says in the flattest voice he could muster, “Give me food, bitch.” He says with a huff, “I’m starving. Is this really how you treat your hostages? Starve them? Zero out of ten,” He shakes his head as he grabs Techno’s cloak, tugging it around his shoulders.
He’s only using Technos stupid cloak because he’s cold and it’s really warm. Thats it.
Techno gives him a rather smug look before clearing some snow as he starts setting up a fire. Tommy flips him off before burying his face in his jacket, hiding under his cloak.
Fuck Techno, the prick kidnapped him! He has no right to judge what Tommy does when he’s in a life or death situation!
He stays curled up as Techno cooks, hidden underneath his cloak, trying to warm up. Eventually his kidnapper gives him some food, fucking rabbit or some shit, Tommy’s not sure. He eats it anyways, his small fangs digging into the meat as he tears it off the stick, ignoring how Techno barely struggles to pull any meat off the prick.
They eat in silence, mostly because Tommy was solely focused on his food, before he finishes his food, throwing the stick out. It lands in the snow with a thud as Tommy peers his eyes out at the quickly darkening sky.
Before he could do much else Techno is grabbing him by the back of his hood, tugging him away from the exit. Tommy yelps in surprise, struggling, but Techno easily restrains him, embracing him in a hug. He freezes up, his face being pushed under Technos chin as the piglin curls around him.
One thing about piglins is that they are really affectionate, especially to their sounder— Tommy was not Techno’s sounder. He was just the kid he kidnapped. So why the fuck was he being so clingy?
Techno chuffs at him, pulling back so he could meet his eyes.
“You’re cold.” He says and Tommy huffs, pushing against his chest as he tries to free himself.
“No, I'm fucking not— I'm actually burning up, thanks very much, so just, let me go—“
“Hmm,” Techno hums, before tightening his hold on him, “No.” He says simply, “In fact, I think you’re a little too cold, especially since you’re still recovering. You don't want to get sick again.”
“You gotta listen to me, man, I’m fine— I'm not going to get sick, trust me! I’m totally fine, big man, I don't need help, especially not from you.” He says, his tone a little sharper than he intended, but still— he didn't want to be fucking held like a little kid right now.
Techno ignores him like the asshole that he is, starting to take off Tommy’s copious amounts of layers. Tommy rolls his eyes but helps in taking off his annoyingly thick jacket, but that’s where he stops. Techno starts to take off his thinner jacket, too, and Tommy starts to realize what he was doing.
“No.” Tommy says, squirming in his grip as he gets the sleeves down around his hands, “Leave me be—“
“You need to let your wings out.” Techno says, huffing, “Otherwise you’re going to damage them more.” He continues, ignoring the way Tommy tenses up, “Let them heal, kid. Don’t fight me on this.” Techno says, his hands resting on his shoulders as he tries to meet his eyes but Tommy doesn't.
He stares down at his hands, noting the tremor in them, the way he can’t stop himself from shaking.
His wings were damaged.
He knew it, he knew they were fucked up, that he wouldn't be able to fly probably ever agin— but hearing it from someone else is a whole different story because it makes it real then. He can’t help it as he sniffles, his eyes watering as he squeezes them shut, taking in a hiccuping breath.
“My— my wings aren’t damaged.” He says weakly, hating how his voice cracks and wavers, “They’re not—“
“Tommy,” Techno says and he sounds a little sad, a little heart broken maybe, “Hey—“
“No! My wings are fine, they’re fine!” He exclaims as hot tears run down his cheeks, “They’re fine.” His voice is barely above a whisper as he cries quietly, letting his tears fall down his cheeks and onto Technos cape.
The piglin is silent for a moment before he tips Tommy forwards into his arms, hugging him. Tommy sobs, wrapping his arms around Techno as he hides his face away in his shirt, crying. Techno runs his hand through his hair as he keeps him held close.
“You don’t actually believe that, do you, Theseus?” Techno asks and he isn't really expecting a response as Tommy cries. “Your wings will be fine, if you let me help.” He promises, resting his chin on top of his head as he rumbles deep in his chest.
“Let me help you.” Techno says but Tommy just cries, silently giving in to Techno, to what he wants.
Tommy can’t believe that he’s letting his kidnapper unbind his wings, freeing his delicate damaged feathers. Techno doesn't touch them anymore then he has to, though, letting his wings fall limp behind him, shaking with his sobs.
He falls asleep curled up on Techno’s chest, with his arms wrapped around him, hidden under his cloak as the night drags on.
~~~~
They travel on and off, not able to keep up the same regime as last time since Tommy fell in a fucking lake. They only walk for a couple hours at most before Techno sets up camp again and lets Tommy rest. He doesn't bother tying him back up since Tommy couldn't really escape in the state that he was in right now.
He was still recovering from falling into the lake and he’s pretty sure he also caught a cold as well. He has the sniffles and his appetite was near non existent, though Techno made him eat. He’d have hot and cold flashes and his head aches.
It wasn't the worst thing he’s ever fallen sick with, but it did really suck.
Not to mention that Techno was basically coddling him like a baby— always checking in on him, making sure he was eating and drinking and helping with his wings.
Though Tommy would not let Techno touch them other than to stretch them out or move them for a moment, it still made him on edge, high alert. He was waiting for the moment Techno would take back everything he’s said and hurt him— he’s had so many chances but he's done nothing.
It confuses him, because why wouldn't someone want to hurt and maim him to keep control over him?
He’s just waiting for the ball to drop and for the act to fall but it never does, Techno never turns mean, no matter how much Tommy tries to incite his anger and to piss him off. He just remains… calm, lets Tommy spew his insults and hide away in a corner like a hissing cat, letting him cool off for a couple hours. Tommy usually feels guilty after the fact because Techno didn’t really deserve his anger— well, maybe he did since he did fucking kidnap him but he can’t help it.
He lets Techno hold him after his outbursts, exhausted and drained— lets the piglin chuff and purr and take care of him.
It was his only source of comfort throughout all of this, when Techno would hold him and let him doze off in his arms, all bundled up and warm, fed and sleepy. It was funny to think that his kidnapper was his source of comfort out in the snowy forests of Antartica, but here he was.
Slowly he was starting to see Techno less and less as a predator, and more like a friend if anything. It was kind of terrifying how fast his instincts switched up on him, latching onto Techno like a life line. He hates it— he hates it so fucking much but theres no way he can just stop it from happening.
He tries to get past each day as smoothly as possible, resting as much as possible and trying to avoid Techno, though that doesn't really work.
Currently, he was laying in the tent, curled under Techno’s cloak and dozing off. He had already ate his dinner for the day and was getting ready to go to sleep. His wings rest limply on his back and he hides his face away in his arms, as he listens to Techno prepare for the night outside the tent.
The piglin was being really noisy, though, making it difficult for him to fall asleep. He shifts, uncurling from himself, blinking open his foggy eyes to stare at the entrance of the tent.
It was so tempting to run. To bolt, to try and escape— but he doesn't. His body won’t allow it. No matter how much he thinks about it or wills himself to go through with it again, he just can’t. It’s like his body was working against him, deciding that he wants to stay with Techno, his fucking kidnapper.
He should be trying to run at any given opportunity, yet he lounges around like a lazy cat, waiting on Techno to do everything for him. He likes making Techno do everything for him, it was funny how the big piglin brute would do whatever Tommy asked of him, besides letting him go.
Tommy's not really sure how piglin brutes entirely work. From all of Tommy’s encounters throughout his life he’s always seen them being violent, listening to no one and doing whatever the fuck they want. They’ve always been big and intimidating, people that Tommy stayed far away from.
Yet here Techno was, basically being Tommy’s personal servant. Maybe it was because he was sick, and Techno was just pitying him but Tommy has a feeling thats not quite it.
There’s got to be something more at play here, something that Tommy cant seem to piece together right now. Brutes were never this gentle, not with anyone— Techno always held him so nicely and gently, never to tight. He never left bruises on his scared skin, never tugged on his hair or jostled him.
It was like he was treating Tommy like a baby.
Tommy’s not sure if thats a good thing or not.
Finally Techno makes his way into the quickly darkening tent, closing it up behind him as he settles in. Tommy relaxes, the tension in his body that he didn’t realize was there dropping, his blue eyes lazily watching Techno.
Tommy was a little cold. He didn’t like being cold— Techno was like a living furnace, he had plenty of heat to spare. And it’s not like he would tell Tommy no, either, Techno was basically wrapped around his finger, happy to do Tommy’s bidding.
Tommy, of course, was going to abuse the shit out of that power.
“Techno.” He huffs, unwilling to move himself. Techno could easily pick him up, so what point was there in Tommy wasting the effort to move?
Techno glances his way, his red eyes landing on his sleepy form. He hums, as he braids his pink hair back, his eyes pinned on him.
“M’ cold.” He complains, resting his head on the ground dramatically. Techno gives him an amused look, quickly tying off his braid as he comes closer to him. He reaches out for him, lifting him up from under his arms and bringing him closer to himself. He lets his cloak fall from around his shoulders, exposing his wings and a slight chill.
“Hey—“ Tommy grumbles, as Techno rests him on his chest, a small rumble starting up as he settles Tommy down. Tommy huffs, before relaxing, un-tensing his muscles as he rests his face on his chest, closing his eyes as he soaks in Techno’s warmth.
It was truly unfair how warm Techno was. If Tommy was this warm then he wouldn't have to be put in a such an embarrassing situation to survive— becuase he would never do this unless he was on the verge of death.
Techno runs his fingers through his hair with one hand, gently untangling the knots and scratching at his scalp. It was calming, a nice repetitive pattern. His other hand was trailing up and down his spine, feeling each bone, each little scar that littered his back.
Tommy was starting to doze off, lulled to sleep by the gentle touches and warmth surrounding him.
Dimly, he notices Techno’s hand was lingering by the base of his wings, massaging the muscles in between them. they were sore, and it felt nice, making him melt even further against Techno. The piglin purrs, his hand resting on his head for a moment before he goes back to his wings.
His fingers brush against the soft downy on the base of his wings, waiting for Tommy to react but when he doesn't he keeps going, traveling further up his wings, gently touching the feathers. Tommy twitches his wing, shifting— he was trying to fucking sleep and didn't really want to be bothered.
Techno doesn't get the hint, though, as he uses both hands now, combing through his feathers with his fingers, picking out the debris and broken bits.
Tommy freezes up, his breathing catching in his chest as he realizes what was happening. His heart starts to pound in his chest as terror shoots through his system. He can’t move, can’t breathe, as he sifts through his feathers, preens them, pretending as if nothing is wrong.
“Relax, Theseus.” Techno rumbles, his voice all soothing and low, “You’re okay, I’m not going to hurt you.” He promises, stopping for a moment, allowing Tommy to take a breath in, “Your wings need to be preened, its clear you haven't been taking care of them, kid. Preening is very important.” He says as if Tommy doesn't know any of this.
Tommy nearly chokes on his breath as Techno puts a feather back into place, smoothing over it before moving on. He was still panicking but it was starting to decline, with each shaky breath and each moment that Techno doesn't hurt him, easing his panic.
His purrs never die down, helping to calm him further as he keeps on fixing his feathers, slowly, his movements easily predictable and gentle. He never tugs on a feather wrong, like Tommy often does, or pulls one out thats not ready. It likes Techno has done this a million times.
Tommy forces himself to un-tense his muscles, taking in more even breaths as he lifts his head up to meet Techno’s eyes.
“What— what are you doing?” He croaks out, his feathers puffing up, making Techno pause. He raises an eyebrow at him before cupping his cheek with one of his large hands. Tommy lets his head rest in his palm, his watery blue eyes never leaving Techno.
“I’m helping you, Tommy.” Techno says, rubbing his thumb under his eye, his red eyes unwavering, “But,” he sighs, pausing for a moment, “If you want me to stop, then I will. Just know that I will make you preen your wings first thing in the morning, though. There’s no getting out of this.”
Tommy closes his eyes, unable to look at his mess of feathers protruding from his back. He— he can hardly bring himself to look at them, but preening them? He can’t remember the last time he’d done that. It was sad, really, that Tommy would prefer Techno do it for him because he just can’t stand the pain from looking at them.
“Fine.” He says as he meets his gaze again, giving up, “You can do it.” He whispers out in defeat, his feathers laying flat again, “I just wanna sleep.” He whines, closing his eyes. He should have just stayed curled up in his little ball and never said anything when Techno came in.
Techno rests his head back down on his chest, his hand lingering for a moment before he goes back to his wings, picking right up from where he left off.
Tommy can’t help the way it drags him down into his instincts, making them perk up, on high alert as Techno preens his wings. He can feel himself slipping and no matter how hard he tries to fight back he can’t—
A small, uncertain chirp leaves his lips. He freezes, his eyes shooting open to stare at Techno, because Tommy’s never chirped at anyone that isn't flock before.
Techno’s eyes meet his own, full of delight and possessiveness as he cradles his head in his hands, cooing back to him. Tommy’s mind short circuits at the noise as he completely looses himself to his instincts, chirping again as he presses his face into Techno hands, his nails digging into his shirt.
“There you are, Theseus.” Techno says in his deep rumbling voice. Tommy trills at his name, flock was with him, flock was holding him— “Aren’t you adorable?” He continues, before he frowns, his red eyes really peering into him, “I’m surprised you imprinted this easily, though. Avians take a long time to warm up to someone.” He says softly, as if he was pained about something.
Tommy warbles at him, confused— why was flock sad? Flock can’t be sad, not with Tommy around. Techno coos at him, running his fingers through his hair for a moment. It felt nice, as Tommy leaned into the touch, never wanting to let it go.
“Gods, Phil is going to love you,” Techno says as his hands go back to his wings. Tommy perks up even more, trilling and chirping— yes! Flock was going to preen his wings! Tommy couldn't help his wings flutter in excitement as Techno chuckles, smoothing over his feathers.
“Yes, yes, I know,” Techno hums, purring loudly as he preens him. Tommy coos and chirps, melting like a pile of goo as Techno fixes his itchy feathers, getting rid of all the dirt and debris. He even smoothes out his downy feathers, making sure they were nice and clean too.
Tommy trills, rubbing his face against his shirt, his arms wrapped around Techno’s neck as he curls against him, sleepily chirping. Techno finishes up preening his feathers before resting his wings on his back, grabbing his red cloak and throwing it over the two of them.
Tommy happily chirps, blinking open his eyes to stare up at Techno as the piglin runs his fingers through his hair again, gently, his red eyes glimmering in the dark.
“You’re so sweet, Tommy.” Techno says, “Just for me.” He purrs, bumping his forehead with his own, “my runt.” He hums, as Tommy chirps, letting his eyes fall shut. He was really tired. “You’re never leaving me now, kid.”
“You’re mine.”
~~~~
Tommy wakes up warm, which isn’t unusual anymore, since well, Techno kidnapped him. He lets himself sink into the warmth, pressing closer to Technos side, resting one of his arms across his chest.
This was nice, Tommy thought, being curled up under Technos cloak and using him as his personal heater and pillow. Not to mention that he feels… extra safe being by Technos side, content to lay beside him. Actually, the thought of pushing away and leaving Techno makes his heart flutter in a slight panic.
He wants to stay in the nest— though what he was laying in was definitely not a nest— with Techno in the dark warmth. That was all Tommy wanted to do.
He shifts, hiding his face away as Techno hums, a hand resting in his hair as he runs his fingers through it. He can’t help the way he presses up into it, trilling happily— before he freezes, slapping a hand over his mouth.
Did he just trill at Techno?
Memories rush in from last night, of Techno preening his wings, his instincts—
He imprinted on Techno.
His whole world comes crashing down in that moment, as his eyes fly open open, struggling to sit up to meet Techno’s eyes. The smug bastard is staring at him with a very pleased smile, his hand lingering on the back of his neck, a dark look swirling in his red eyes.
“You— what did you do?” Tommy says with a shaky voice, unable to will himself to push away from Techno no matter how much he wants to. Imprinting is for life, theres no taking it back, no getting rid of it. It’s a huge deal to imprint on someone, a life changing alteration, something that ties someone down to another person forever.
Tommy was stuck with Techno for the rest of his life.
The thought makes him sick as he lets himself collapse back down, his hands gripping his hair as he takes in stuttering breaths. His wings fold neatly against his back as he tries to make himself as small as possible, shaking his head as he hyperventilates, his fingers digging into his scalp as he pulls on his hair—
“No, no, no— this can’t be happening.” He mumbles, “I- I can’t imprint on you!” He exclaims as tears fall from his eyes, his whole body starting to shake and tremble, “You kidnapped me! I can’t imprint on my kidnapper—“
“Tommy.” Techno says, running his hand down his wings in a comforting way, “This is for the best, runt, now you’ll never want to leave my side, where you’ll be safe,” He says, a purr making its way into his voice as he strokes his fingers through his feathers. Tommy shivers, but he relaxes, sniffling as he rubs his eyes with his hands.
“No, I— I don’t want this!” He says weakly, ignoring the way he yearns for the warmth and closeness and safety— “I just wanna go home.”
“We are going home,” Techno says simply, softly, “Everything you would ever need is there.” He promises, a hand returning to his hair, “No one will ever hurt you again. Not with me around. You have my word.”
Tommy shivers, though not from the cold, as Technos hand rests in the back of his neck, a promise and a threat all in one.
There was no leaving Techno.
He goes limp, ignoring Technos satisfied rumble as he lets his tears fall freely from his eyes. Why was this happening to him? Tommy had been living a pretty okay life before all of this— he never wanted any of this to happen. He would have been fine going to bed cold every night, and waking up alone and having nobody there for him, and eating at least one meal a day and going out looking for bounties.
Tommy sucks in a stuttering breath, as Techno runs his fingers through his hair, trying to calm him down. He purrs, a steady rhythm, the noise calming him down slowly.
They sit like that for a while as Tommy’s sniffles fade away, his eyes drying as he pointedly doesn’t look at Techno or even acknowledge him, only using him as a giant heater.
That’s the only reason why he hasn’t pushed away from him yet, and not because he just couldn’t bring himself too.
Eventually Techno shifts with a sigh, sitting up, his hand lingering on his head for a moment before he pulls away, starting to get dressed for going outside. Tommy watches him, considering on following him as Techno gets ready. He tugs his red cloak around his shoulders, using it as a big blanket as he watches Techno with his best death glare.
The piglin doesn't pay him much attention, much to Tommy’s dismay as he takes a long look at his cloak that Tommy was holding hostage, considering taking it back, but he wisely chooses not to. He huffs, before going to leave, letting in a cold breeze from the outside.
Tommy can’t help the panic that claws at his chest as Techno leaves, moving after him, a frantic chirp on the tip of his tongue.
“Wait—“ He says, grabbing onto his pant leg, half out the tent and half in it. It was pathetic, really, his face stinging from the cold as he holds onto Techno like a lost kid, unable to part with him for even a moment. It eases his panic, having Techno this close, no matter how much Tommy fucking hates it.
He fucking hates his instincts, wishing nothing more than to not have them right now, or to not be a hybrid in general. If he didn’t have wings on his back then he wouldn't be in this situation in the first place.
Techno quirks an eyebrow at him, before reaching out with one of his hands, resting it in his hair. Tommy tilts his head into his hand, earning him an amused huff.
“Get your shoes on.” He sighs, pausing, “I’ll wait for you.”
Tommy peers up at him, his hands tightening on the fabric. “You can’t leave, okay? If you leave then I’m going to freak the fuck out and no one wants that—“
“I’m not going anywhere, Theseus.” Techno promises, his breath coming out in puffs as his red eyes stare down at him, “Ill stay right here while you get ready. If I need to go back into the tent then that’s fine.” He hums, and Tommy scoffs, forcing himself to let go of his pant leg with trembling hands.
“No, no, this is— it’s fine.” He mumbles, embarrassed. God this was so fucking ridiculous. Imprinting was the absolute worst.
Techno rumbles, a deep soothing noise in his chest, making Tommy relax as he slips back into the tent with a shiver. Techno stays in the same exact spot, moving a little closer while Tommy puts on all of his stupid layers and boots, wrapping Techno’s cloak around him for more warmth before he finally makes it out of the tent.
It was a cloudy cold morning, with a fresh layer of snow over everything. Snow flakes were still falling from the sky, slow and serene, as if it had all the time in the world to coat everything in more white powder.
Tommy, begrudgingly, follows Techno everywhere, trailing behind him like a lost duckling. He’s hardly a step behind him, basically his shadow, any thoughts of escape or running away drowned out by the panic of leaving Techno behind.
It would be impossible to escape now. He was royally fucked.
They travel some more, not stopping this time after a couple hours in. Tommy was getting tired, exhausted of walking, mostly letting Techno drag him along and do all the work. It was getting dark, too, and Tommy was half convinced that Techno was just going to let them freeze to death out here.
But, finally, off in the distance there was a cabin. Smoke rose out from its chimney with warm lights illuminating the blinds on the windows. A snowed in fence surrounds it, that Techno completely disregards as he basically chucks Tommy over it.
Tommy struggles to not loose his balance and fall face first into the snow, recovering very gracefully as his eyes land on the cabin. The sun was pretty much gone by now and he could hear dogs barking off in the distance.
He frowns, glancing back at Techno as he comes to stand beside him, staring at the cabin with a relieved look.
“Welcome home, Theseus.”
~~~~
“Woah, woah, wait—“ Tommy says, gripping onto Techno as the piglin just opens the door and barges into the cabin like he owns the damn place. He drags Tommy in after him, uncaring of the snow they were tracking in before closing the door.
The first thing Tommy notices is how fucking warm it was. It was like an oven inside, the warmth practically smacking him in the face. He pauses, letting it seep into his frozen limbs, melt the ice that had been collecting in his hair the whole time.
“Start taking off your layers.” Techno grumbles, kicking off his boots and placing them beside the door, “You’ll get warmer that way.”
“Yeah, okay.” Tommy says, shuffling his way over to Techno and discarding his cloak on the ground, ignoring the look Techno sends him as he starts taking off his jacket, his boots and multiple long sleeved shirts until he’s just left with his first pair of clothes.
His wings hug tight to his back, wary, as he looks around.
It was a cozy little cabin with the living room and kitchen connected, a stairwell going up off to one side and a hallway leading to who knows where. The fire roared on in the fire place, the flames blazing while something cooks on the stove. It smelt good, whatever it was, making his stomach growl.
He takes a cautious step forwards, closer to the fire, the warmth, his eyes pinned on it.
Who was living in this cabin while Techno had been gone?
“Why don’t you settle down on the couch.” Techno says, glancing around the cabin, “We don’t have a room prepared for you yet to move into.”
Tommy ignores how ridiculous Techno sounds right now as he settles down on the couch, sinking into the soft cushions, resting his head against the back rest. His eyes watch Techno, though, lazily flickering to him as he checks on whatever is on the stove.
“Techno?” Calls a strange, unfamiliar voice, “Are you back, mate?”
Techno turns to the voice as someone comes up from the downstairs, each step they take making the wood creak.
Tommy tenses, eyes fixed on the new person as they greet Techno, hugging him, saying words that he doesn't quite hear.
All Tommy is focused on are the big, black wings on his back, out in the open proudly. The feathers were neat and glossy, shiny, catching the light in such a way it made Tommy jealous that his own feathers didn't look like that.
His feathers moved with each movement, puffing up slightly at the sight of Techno, so expressive and care free. Tommy wishes that he could be like that.
He stays curled up on the couch, half hidden behind it, his wings pressed so tight against his back that it kind of hurts. He wishes he had Techno’s cloak back right now.
Eventually, the other avian notices his presence.
“Who is this?” He asks, his sharp blue eyes pinned on Tommy, narrowed, as his black feathers curl around his shoulders, making himself look bigger. The man had blonde hair like his own, but much longer and more pale. He was short, too, about the same height as Tommy but he was intimidating as hell.
Tommy tears his gaze away from him to look at Techno, silently pleading for help. He was frozen, paralyzed, unable to move. Stressed chirps bubble up from his chest just waiting to be released.
“Phil, this is Tommy,” Techno says, taking a couple steps towards him, but Phil stops him. He reaches out with a taloned hand, his fingers digging into the sleeve of his shirt, making him pause.
“Who is this?” Phil repeats, his tone cold, his whole demeanor shifting in the blink of an eye.
Techno glances back at Phil, a smug smile on his face.
“Well.” He hums, his red eyes glancing back at him, as if egging him on, “You can count it as part of your Christmas present, old man. I’ve known how… broody you’ve been recently.”
“You got me a kid for Christmas?” Phil asks, and he sounds slightly disappointed in Techno, shooting him a look, “Techno, I don’t want some random street kid, not to mention thats kidnapping.” He sighs, running a hand through his hair, “Can you take him back where you found him, yeah? I don’t want a kid—“
“You’re going to want this one.” Techno hums, taking more steps towards Tommy.
Tommy can’t help the small chirp that escapes his lips as Techno nears, his whole body leaning in towards him, his eyes pleading with Techno to save him.
Phil’s head snaps to him, his blue eyes widening as his pupils dilate.
“Techno?” Phil asks, as he walks towards Tommy, way too fast for comfort. He reaches him before Techno does, practically lunging at hm.
Tommy shrieks, trying to jump over the couch but Phil gets to him before he can, gripping onto his arm and tugging him towards himself. A hand grips his chin as he hears Techno mumble careful from somewhere behind them. Phil looms over him, his black wings fully puffed out as he stares at him.
“Oh, hello.” He breathes, the hand not holding his face reaching behind him, to his wings— “Easy, mate, I just want to look.” He says, his hand tightening its grip on his chin, digging into his soft flesh. Tommy lets out a stressed chirp, frozen in fear, as Phil coos down at him in a reassuring manor.
His sharp talons brush against his feathers, making Tommy flinch, but the man doesn't stop, tugging on his wing until he lets him unfold it from against his back. Phil pauses, his eyes wide as he stares at his shitty feathers.
He grins, running his fingers through his feathers, another coo spilling from his lips.
“You got me a baby avian.” He says, his voice a little higher than it had been, his eyes never leaving Tommy as they dilate slightly.
“M’ not a baby.” Tommy grits out and Phil just hums, dragging one off his talons across his check gently, careful not to draw blood.
“Techno, you’ve really outdone yourself here.”
“I knew you would like him.” Techno hums, coming up beside Phil, staring down at Tommy. Tommy shivers, his wing curling back against his back, shying away from Phils touch.
“To the nest.” Phil says, his hand grabbing his arm again,
“Little fledglings like yourself shouldn’t be out just yet.”