Things That Need To Pass (passerine!Technoblade x OC) {COMPLETED}

Braided Hair And Memories

Why does she make me feel this way?

(Eryn POV)

I woke up, startled by the heavy weight draped over my waist, preventing me from moving. I look up to see Techno, sleeping peacefully.

I drifted off to sleep, while a certain prince was contemplating what else had happened yesterday.

(Flashback in Wil's POV)

"Oh, hey!" The sudden excitement in Tommy's tone caught both Technoblade and my attention. He began waving to someone in the distance, his smile as bright as life itself. "It's Dad and Mama!"

Mother? I was on his feet at once, my heart hammering in my chest like a moth set aflame. Sure enough, there was Mother, out in the sun once more, for the first time in over a year. I took in a shaky inhale, not daring to breathe again, as if the image before me would dissipate like smoke: Mother, smiling at them, as she walked arm-in-arm with Father through the garden.

Tommy ran as fast as he tiny legs could carry him and launched himself into their mother's waiting arms. I couldn't ignore the brief flash of pain that flickered over my mother's features as she gathered Tommy into hug, but neither could I help my relief at seeing her walk at all.

"Well?" Technoblade said from behind me. "Go ahead, then."

I turned to my tutor and, before Technoblade could protest, took me by the wrist and dragged me over to where Mother and Father were waiting.

Father's smile was gentle and welcoming, and I could almost forgive the sadness that remained in his eyes, like a ghost hovering at the edges of a celebration.

"You must be Technoblade," Mother said happily, carrying Tommy in her arms as she addressed the tutor. "I do apologize that it has taken us this long to be acquainted, though Phil has been telling me of all you have done for our Wilby."

I expected Technoblade's usual icy jabs, and was quite surprised when he bowed his head in what could pass as deference to an untrained eye.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. Your sons have told me much about you."

Mother gave Technoblade a conspiratorial grin as she asked, "And I trust all they've said is in my favor, yes? Nothing about how sharp my tongue can be when I'm cranky?"

"Oh, I assure you, they've painted you as nothing less than perfect." Technoblade glanced at Father. "Although Philza might had said a thing or two about your rigid standards for tea."

Father chuckled. He pressed closer to Mother and Tommy, keeping an arm around Mother's waist. As if to steady her. As if to hold her together, just a little bit longer. "I told you that in confidence, Techno."

"Technoblade," Mother repeated. "That's a rather odd name."

"I said the same thing!" Tommy added brightly, always eager to be part of the adults' conversation.

Technoblade only shrugged, once again demonstrating a level of civility that Wilbur would never have expected of the same man that regularly combatted the king's orders. "I would feel too much like a traitor if I abandoned it now, after all these years with it. It is my one constant companion, more loyal than most."

"Loyalty is a rather precious gift." Mother sighed softly. She transferred Tommy to one arm and reached out with the other, until she was cupping Technoblade's cheek. "I do hope, my boy," she continued, her voice as tranquil as a still lake, "that you will find the people you can trust more than your own name. You deserve that, and more, for all you have done for my family."

Technoblade blinked slowly at her, for once struck speechless. I gaped at him as well. Never had I ever seen him like this.

Tommy giggled. "Techno is blushing."