At Least We Have Each Other (SBI AU)

Chapter 1- You Can't Keep Doing This

Techno POV

Techno sighed, pulling out his rusty key as he approached the door. He stopped before pushing it open, closing his eyes for his last moment of peace. He was going to get killed, and it was all his fault.

Shaking his head, he pushed the door open, welcoming himself to the dark house. The smell of alcohol lingered in the air, even though his father wasn't there. It was a smell that never went away, no matter how clean the house was.

He stopped at the sight of his brother on the couch. The brunette was staring directly at him, no emotion on his face.

"I didn't think you were coming back. I figured you finally left us." the boy spoke, his eyes not leaving the older.

"Wilbur..." he began. But he knew he could never say enough apologies to make up for what he did.

"No! You can't keep doing this! You can't keep running away when Dad gets home! It's not fair to Tommy... or me." his voice trailed off.

"Wil, I'm sorry-"

Wilbur shook his head, disappointment dripping from his tone. "You're supposed to be the older brother Tech... you're supposed to protect us... you're supposed to protect Tommy." his voice broke as he looked at his brother.

Techno stepped forward to approach him, stopping at his icy glare. "Wil, I'll always come back for you and Tommy..."

Wilbur scoffed, muttering, "Yeah, Mom said the same thing. Don't see her around anymore."

Techno looked at the ground, tears filling his eyes. His heart ached at the thought of her. Their mother had left not long after Tommy was born. That's what really sent their father down the wrong path.

"Once I have enough money we can finally leave this hell Wilbur. We can be safe from him." Techno explained.

Wilbur shook his head, finally meeting the older's eyes. "You know that's not possible. You could never support the three of us. It would never work."

"I can and I will." Techno promised, moving closer to him. "I'll work more jobs. I can still-"

"He did it again."

Techno froze at his words, panic flooding his body like a poison. "What?"

"Tommy's okay, he's in our room-" Wilbur began.

He cut him off, whispering, "Was there a lot of blood?"

The brunette hesitated before nodding. "He used the glass bottle again..."

Techno quickly pulled the boy into his arms, wanting to provide the safety he deserved. Wilbur melted into his touch, gripping onto his sweatshirt. "I'm going to kill him... I'm going to kill that-"

"Trust me, nothing would give me more pleasure." Wilbur sniffed, not loosing his grip. "But we need to focus on Tommy."

Techno nodded in agreement, pulling back a little. "We can't leave him alone with him."

"But you work! And-" Wilbur exclaimed, he stopped as an idea dawned on him. "I can just quit band-"

"No!" Techno shouted, "Music is the only thing that keeps you from being miserable. Just bring Tommy with you. You know how much he loves your music."

Wilbur smiled at the idea, wishing they would have thought of it before any of this happened. "That could work." Wilbur relaxed in his brother's arms, closing his eyes.

Techno hesitated before speaking up, "Look Wil, I'm sorry."

Wilbur looked up at him, a tear escaping his eyes. "We really do need you Tech. I can't be strong without you... I just- I can't protect us."

Techno's heart broke at his words. He couldn't let his brother go through that again, he just couldn't. "No more running, I promise."

"Okay." And Wilbur believed him, like he always did. But this time he felt like things would be different.

The two boys made their way to their room, which all three of them shared. While it was cramped, it was still better than being separated. The room didn't have much. All it had was a tiny desk and a bunk bed, accompanied by bare walls.

Tommy was already asleep, his hand holding an ice pack having fallen. Silently, the two brothers changed into pajamas before slipping into bed. 

Techno always slept on the top, while Wilbur slept on the bottom. Tommy would alternate, always wanting to sleep with one of them.

Wilbur laid beside Tommy, wrapping his arms protectively around the child. Tommy melted into the touch, burying his face in Wilbur's chest.

Techno sighed, pulling his one blanket up. "Good night Wilbur."

"Good night Tech." he paused. "I love you."

And for once Techno didn't hesitate.

"I love you too."

-----------

Hope you liked it! :)

Hope you have a wonderful day!

-Snowy