SBI family AU

Caught

As Techno stared at the dark ceiling, he sighed and closed his eyes. He felt absolutely drained from cutting off his constant stream of caffeine. He heard Tubbo's door softly close and he groaned, glancing at the time.

It's 3 am, what's he doing awake?

Forcing himself to sit up, he rubbed his face before standing. Nearly tripping over something on the floor, he opened his door a little too harshly.

"Dad- I-"

He froze at the sight and the smell of smoke hit him. Tubbo was standing in the kitchen, holding a lit cigarette and frozen in place.

"How long."

"Never! I just- I just found them and they seem to have worked for you and Uncle Wilbur so-"

Techno quickly walked over and took it from him, crushing it into the counter. His breath was slightly uneven as he cleaned it up, ignoring the small burns on his hands.

"Dad, Dad I'm sorry-"

"No. Don't," Techno said, placing his hands on the counter. He rocked on his heels for a second and hung his head, fixated on the granite.

Tubbo shrunk back slightly, setting the rest of the pack down next to Techno. He looked around nervously as Techno started tapping his fingers.

"Do you even-" Techno started before cutting himself off, drumming his fingers in a rhythmic pattern, "Tubbo, do you have any idea how close you could have been to winding up like me?"

"I know, Dad, I'm-"

"No. No, I don't think you do know," Techno cut him off, curling his fingers into fists. He kept his eyes trained on the granite as he let out a shaky laugh and ran a hand through his hair, "God dammit."

Tubbo flinched as he hit the counter, the plates rattling slightly, "Dad-"

"Go to your room. You're grounded."

"I'm sorry..." Tubbo mumbled and quickly left, tears burning in his eyes as he closed his door. Techno watched him go and kicked the cabinet door.

His eyes landed on the pack and he picked it up, fiddling with the lid. He pulled one out and lit it, easing himself to the floor. As he inhaled, he grimaced at the taste but forced his disgust down. Tubbo's door clicked open and Techno looked at it as he exhaled.

"Dad, Mom's coming to pick me up," Tubbo mumbled, avoiding his eyes.

"That's fine. Go ahead and get packed. You're staying until school picks back up," Techno said bitterly before inhaling.

Tubbo looked at him confused as he exhaled, "That's two weeks-"

"Well since you want to get away so bad, just go. I mean, who'd want to be stuck with their horrible Dad who pushes them into smoking?" Techno laughed, running a hand through his hair, "It's not like Dad is trying his absolute hardest to stop his world from crumbling around him! No, of course not, because everything's just sunshine and rainbows and stupid bees, right?"

"I didn't-"

"No, of course everything's okay!" Techno smiled as he started to cry, "God, everything's such a mess, but it's okay, Dad, you're getting better, Dad! Just hang in there! Well here's the truth, Tubbo. I'm never going to get better. And one day, you're going to hate yourself because you're going to find yourself in this exact same position. You're going to have to look your son in the eyes every day and lie about how you really feel, because you don't want him to worry over you. Come to find out, everything you've been trying to stop him from doing, he does anyway!"

Techno let out a sob as he slammed his fist into the ground, pulling his knees to his chest as he cried. Tubbo watched him, slightly scared. He debated with himself for a minute before carefully walking over and sitting next to Techno. He was quickly pulled into a hug, Techno's tears dampening his hair.

"I'm sorry for being such a mess, Tubbo. I'm sorry for not being able to properly take care of you and to shove my issues onto you. I just- it's a lot right now."

"I'm sorry for scaring you... I wasn't thinking..."

—

Niki opened the front door to find the pair asleep on the floor, Techno waking up at the noise. She frowned and walked over, reaching to shake Tubbo awake.

Techno looked away as Tubbo mumbled something. He pushed away from Techno and rubbed his eyes, looking up at Niki.

"Mom...? I don't want to go anymore..."

"I think it's best, Tubs," Techno said quietly, "I need some time alone right now."

"But-"

"Tubbo, let's go get your things," Niki said, helping him up. He begrudgingly let her lead him, looking back to find Techno zoning out.

He stayed there until they came back, getting up to give Tubbo a hug and locking the door once they left.