SBI family AU

Decline

Flopping onto his bed, Tubbo stared at the ceiling and thought. He thought hard about the past year, clenching his jaw. His brooding was interrupted by a loud thud and shattering, followed by silence.

Sitting up, Tubbo looked at the door, "Dad?"

When he was met with no response, he got up and stood at the door.

"Dad? Are- Are you okay?"

Slight worry filled him as he opened the door. He peeked around the hallway before fully stepping out.

"Dad?"

Techno's legs laid still, sticking out from behind the couch in the main room. Tubbo hesitantly walked over and was horrified to see shattered glass next to him, his hand cut and bleeding. It was clear the skin was discolored around his fingertips and face, as if they were bruised.

"Dad!" Tubbo cried out, getting down and attempting to shake him awake.

"Wake up! Wake up! Dad, wake up!"

As Techno struggled to breathe, Tubbo ran into his room and grabbed his phone. He ran back out as he dialed 911, tripping over the rug. He barely heard the operators voice as he sobbed, repeating the address over and over. Eventually he calmed down enough to describe Techno to them, who hadn't changed much. He tore his eyes away and went downstairs to meet the paramedics.

—

Niki found Tubbo asleep on a chair in the waiting room, she sat next to him and gently ran her fingers through his hair. Tubbo awoke with a sharp breath and looked around the room for a moment before remembering where he was.

"Tubbo, are you- Do you want a hug?"

He looked at her for a moment before nodding. She pulled him into a tight hug as he cried, hushing him and rubbing circles on his back.

"Mom's here, it'll all be okay..."

"I- I want- It was so scary, Mom-"

"I know, I know, but you did it! You saved him, Tubbo," Niki smiled as she rocked him back and forth, "And I know that soon he'll be fine, okay? You just have to be strong."

Tubbo nodded and pulled away, rubbing his tears away with his sleeve, "Okay..."

A nurse came in through the doors, and saw Niki cuddling with Tubbo, "Are you the mother?"

Niki hesitated for a moment, before Tubbo answered for her, "Yeah, she's my mom."

"The doctor wants to speak with you privately, would you come with me?"

Niki looked at Tubbo, then back to the nurse. Without a word, she stood up and followed the nurse through the doors. Tubbo watched from a distance through the small window as Niki listened to the doctor for a while, before covering her mouth and walking out of view. Tubbo stood up and began walking to the door, only for Niki to quickly come out and take his hands.

"Did they tell you what's wrong with Dad?" Tubbo asked.

She took a breath and forced a smile, "He's sleeping right now, but they'll let us peek inside and look at him."

Tubbo was led down the hall by Niki, following closely behind the doctor. It was dark outside, and the room was barely illuminated by the full moon. Machines sat to one side of Techno's bed, and his silhouette was formed by the bright white sheets that covered him.

"So, what happened to him?" Tubbo asked.

Niki got down on one knee and held Tubbo's hands again, "Techno is... really sick. But you helped a lot by calling for help. I'm really proud-"

"Is he dying?"

Looking down, Niki took a breath, "They... they think he can pull through. But he's gonna be asleep for a while. If they wake him up he'll just be in pain. All we can do right now is wait."

The doctor shifted his feet, "If he wakes up on his own, we'll give you a call right away. But tonight, he needs to stay asleep. The best thing you guys can do is go home and rest. You did a good thing, your dad really owes you one."

Tubbo just nodded his head, and Niki took him back to her home. They didn't speak again for the rest of the night.