Gold | Dreamnoblade

Family

Her eyes were scrutinizing, dragging over his clothing and analyzing his expression. Passing over to Wilbur behind him.

"Come in boys," she welcomed with a false smile. Everything in his family felt like it was for show. The pleasantries, the so-called love, the conversations. It wasn't like there were cameras in the home, especially not in his own, so why did Techno feel constantly watched?

His thoughts were whisked away by the smell of freshly fried fish, potatoes, and baked carrots. The scents wafted through the home and put Techno at an unfounded sense of ease. He couldn't let himself get too comfortable or he might slip up, and then he'll be running away all over again.

"Hey bud," his dad commented from the office nearby. Techno waved. His relationship with his father was less cut and dry than that of his mom. He had been the one to greet him at the adoption office, had been the person to place him under Phil's coaching, and had bought him the dye for his hair but he was also the one who told him to 'keep going', to push himself in swimming further than Techno knew he should. It was like the fire that warmed him being the same one that caused the burns on his skin.

He never pulled his hand from the flame no matter how high they rose.

Tommy came barreling down the curved staircase at record speeds, stumbling on the final step and tripping himself up. He cursed under his breath but swiftly recovered. "Wilby! Big T!" he shouted with a voice much too loud for indoors, attempting to make it sound deep in a way that wasn't fooling anyone. He ran up to Techno with the enthusiasm of going in for a hug but came to a screeching halt right as Techno held his arms out.

He gave him a disgusted expression, "I just wanted a high five, hugs are for little bitches." Tommy stated, hitting Techno's hand hard enough to tingle a bit in aftershock. Tommy paused at Techno's lack of expression, "Not that there's anything wrong with being a little bitch," his voice creeping to a higher pitch, "I'm just not one. I'm a big strong man who only cries in battle." he stated, posing powerfully. "Battlecry, that is, crying of the battle," he began to ramble and Techno shook his head, pushing past him.

Wilbur began bickering with Tommy about him being "a little bitch" and Techno entered the kitchen, beginning to help his mother set the table to the sound of some random French playlist. Techno began to translate it in his head as a pastime and distraction.

He carried the mashed potatoes and set them on the counter. His dad had exited the office and was lingering next to Wilbur as he talked with Tommy. The younger was going on about his training as both listened intently. Techno tried to tune in, lingering between setting the dinner plates and pieces.

"I've got the second fastest time for my age!" Tommy told Wilbur enthusiastically.

He set the carrots down on the table a bit loud, losing his grip slightly.

"He told me I could enter the junior trials next year." his voice was eager and bouncing.

Techno swallowed down his sickness as he placed out the tray of fish.

"I'm going to train harder than anyone. Once I'm sixteen I'm going to leave school and dedicate myself to running."

Techno froze, gagging but all that came out was a cough. Wilbur casted him a concerned look and Tommy flashed him a smile with bright eyes and a burning passion.