At Least We Have Each Other (SBI AU)

Chapter 18- This is What Being Safe Feels Like

Techno POV

The brothers didn't have to wait long for Kristin. After what seemed like only a few minutes she strolled in, a tray of plates in her hand. The bright smile never left her face. It seemed like she didn't mind making them food at all. It actually seemed like she enjoyed the change of pace.

Tommy continued to sleep beside Wilbur, getting his much needed rest. They intended to wake him up in a few hours.

She handed each of them a plate, all filled with the same food. Looking down, Techno could feel his stomach growl. He couldn't remember the last time he had eaten a full meal. It was a full plate of pasta, the meal that used to be his favorite. 

At his look, Kristin was quick to add, "I can make something else if you want." She wanted him to feel as comfortable as possible.

"This is amazing!" Wilbur exclaimed, his mouth watering at the sight. He quickly began eating forkful after forkful, trying to get as much as he could. "Almost as good as M-"

"Don't talk with your mouth full!" Techno chuckled, still glancing down at his plate. He was so used to giving his food away to his brothers. He wasn't sure if he could stomach an entire plate. Sighing, he began to take small bites, never getting a full forkful. "What do you plan to do with us?" he suddenly asked, hoping to distract himself.

Kristin smiled warmly, "We're willing to house you for as long as you need. Perhaps if you have parents, we could get in contact with them-" she stopped talking when she saw their faces fall. Biting her lip, she spoke quietly, "Do you even have parents?"

Techno hesitated, shaking his head. "Not good ones."

The woman nodded in understanding. "Maybe we could call the police, bring you into foster-"

"NO!" The boys shouted at the same time, causing the youngest to stir slightly before falling asleep again. They sighed in relief before basking in the awkward silence.

Kristin met their eyes, her voice suddenly serious. "Can I ask why? A new family could be waiting for you."

Techno shook his head, "They'll separate us. I'll never see my brothers again." He put his plate aside, his stomach twisting. "I'm not willing to take that chance."

Kristin stood up, studying the boys. "I understand." She gestured to the room, "Just know that you're always welcome here." She was about to leave the room when she noticed Techno's plate. She pointed to it, asking, "Are you going to eat anymore?"

"No." Techno held the plate of untouched food to her. He refused to meet her eyes, not wanting to witness the pity he knew he would find in them.

She gingerly grabbed the plate, offering a sad smile. "You boys get some sleep, it's getting late out there." Then she left the room, gently shutting the door behind her.

---------

Kristin POV

Kristin took a deep breath, making her way to the kitchen. She dropped the plate on the counter before standing up straight. Those boys had been through so much and it broke her heart. How could such sweet boys have bad parents? She didn't understand how people could be so cruel.

Phil approached from the living room, a look of worry on his face. "Kristin, what's wrong?"

"What's going to happen to them Phil?" she asked softly. "We can't let them go back on the streets, we just can't." She wiped a tear from her eye, trying to keep herself from crying.

The man sighed, wrapping an arm around his wife. "I don't know."

She leaned against him, finding comfort in his hold. A thought ran through her head. Meeting his blue eyes, she suggested, "What if we adopt them?"

--------

Hope you liked it!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

-Snowy