At Least We Have Each Other (SBI AU)

Chapter 12- Events Retold

Techno POV

The two figures stepped inside the room, a look of pity reflected on their faces. Techno couldn't help but glare at them, tightening his grip on his younger brother. He didn't want Wilbur to be taken away from him.

The man spoke first, clearly noting the discomfort between the brothers. Speaking up, he tried to lighten the room. "We were wondering where you two went." he chuckled, but the smile was forced. "We would have driven you here."

"We managed." Techno growled. He didn't like these people. He hated being treated like a fragile piece of glass. He could take care of his siblings without their help, he was sure of that.

The man nodded, deciding it was best to introduce himself. "Well, my name is Sam and this-" he nodded to the woman beside him, "-is Puffy. We're the officers who have been assigned to your case."

Techno shifted uncomfortably at the word. It scared him. It reminded him that him that he wasn't in control. That his brothers could be taken away from him. Techno moved closer to Tommy.

Sam and Puffy exchanged looks before Sam spoke. "We need to speak to Wilbur." he began, obviously expecting Techno's reaction.

"He stays with me." Techno growled, daring the man to even try to take Wilbur away from him.

Sam sighed, "It's very important that we know what happened. It's critical in putting your father away for good."

Techno opened hi mouth to protest, but to his surprise Wilbur interrupted him. "What do you need to know?" his voice was barely above a whisper. Even Techno barely heard it.

"Wilbur you don't have to-"

"Yes I do." the brunette interrupted. "The sooner Dad goes to jail, the better."

Techno sighed, not interrupting again. As much as he didn't like it, he knew it was necessary. And the thought of putting their father away for good made it worth it.

"Thank you." Puffy offered a smiled, pulling out a pad of paper. "We just need to know what happened. Really, anything will help."

Wilbur nodded, taking a deep breath. Pulling away from Techno, looked towards the officers. He knew he had to do this on his own. But Techno moved closer to him, encouraging him to lean on the older.

"Tommy and I were home alone, it was a few hours after Techno had left for work. Dad wasn't supposed to be home until the next day, so we weren't expecting him. Tommy was bored, so I gave him some stuff to draw with to keep him busy. I figured he would be fine on his own for a little while, so I went to our room. My friends and I have been writing music together, so I was working on that with headphones. Everything was fine until I heard this scream." He buried his face in his hand, forcing himself to continue. "It was T-Tommy." he paused, locking his trembling hands together. He hated talking about what had happened, it made it all come rushing back.

"Take your time." Puffy said gently, encouraging him to continue.

"I ran down the stairs and I-I saw-" he covered his eyes, the image still clear in his head.

Sam took a deep breath, shifting from foot to foot. "What did you see?"

"He was beating Tommy! And I-I was frozen... I couldn't make my feet move... and he-he was drunker than I had ever seen before."

Puffy stiffened at his words, questioning, "This has happened before?" Though it was clear that she already knew the answer. But a part of her wanted to make sure. To be sure that she had heard him correctly.

"All the time... it's hard to remember the last time he was sober." Wilbur exclaimed, his eyes melting into glass. "Tommy tried to fight against him, but there was nothing he could do. He-he screamed for me and Techno but I just couldn't move. I couldn't- I tried to- then he smashed a bottle on Tommy's head and threw him against the counter. Tommy was out cold." he stopped and Techno could feel his own tears starting to pour.

"Did he go after you Wilbur?" Puffy looked up from her paper. She spoke so calmly, her training clearly coming in handy. But Techno could sense her losing control of her emotions. This wasn't an easy job for anyone.

Wilbur took a long breath and Techno could feel his heart sink. Why couldn't he have been there? He could have protected them. He could have stopped everything. But no matter how much he wished he could change it, a more realistic part of him knew there was nothing more he could have done.

"I-I tried to run to Tommy, to protect him! I thought I could handle him... but I-I was wrong. He-" he swallowed, struggling to say the words out loud. "He just-just- started beating me. And when he got bored with me, he would attack Tommy... for fun. I-I tried to protect him, really I did! But I'm just too weak..."

Techno took Wilbur's hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "You're not weak Wil." he whispered, knowing there was nothing he could have done.

"I-I couldn't protect him!" the brunette exclaimed, his voice cracking. "I failed..."

Techno wrapped an arm around him, allowing Wilbur to cry into his shoulder. "I'm sorry I wasn't there." he murmured, gently pressing a kiss to the teen's forehead.

"Thank you Wilbur, I know how hard that must have been." Puffy smiled sadly, putting her notebook away. She glanced towards Sam, seemingly allowing him to take the reins.

Sam nodded, speaking up. "So with your father being convicted and put in prison, you three will no longer have a legal guardian." he began slowly, and Techno could feel his heart beginning to race. "Tommy and Wilbur will be placed in a boy's home since they are not eighteen. But Techno, you are old enough to be on your own." Wilbur's grip tightened at his words. Separation? Techno couldn't think of anything worse.

"No." Techno said firmly, not even entertaining the idea. "You can't separate us." he paused before adding, "I'll take full custody of them."

Sam and Puffy exchanged looks.

"Techno you're only-"

"I can handle it." the teen insisted. "I've looked after them for this long..." It was true, Techno had acted like the father of the family for most of his life. He had been strong no matter what. The only thing he had ever struggled with was his father coming home drunk. That was the only thing that terrified him into selfishness.

Puffy shook her head, "The court won't recommend it. At such a young age, it will be very difficult to provide for your siblings."

Techno hesitated, knowing it was true. And for a moment he even considered it. Considered walking away and doing the easy thing. But the thought of abandoning his family like his mother did, killed him. He knew he was willing to meet the challenge. He was willing to do anything in order to keep his brothers together. "I know that. But I can manage... I will manage." 

Pulling Wilbur closer to him, he met their eyes.

"I'm not losing my brothers."

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-Snowy