Hidden in the Depths

Chapter 38

When Tubbo finally went back inside the base, the sun was starting to set. He didn't necessarily want to, feeling more than content just staying close to the leviathans, but he would suffocate out here otherwise. His oxygen was already down to 5% when he finally acknowledged that it was getting too close. He gently pat the leviathan's scales one last time and murmured a soft good night, smiling when Foolish's rumbling grew louder and he nudged him a little with his hand.

The swim to the entryway was awful. It was so cold out here now that he was so used to the leviathan's body heat, and the storm still hadn't let up. The waves were still strong enough that he could feel the push and pull, swaying him slightly as he made his way to the door, only adding to the difficulty thanks to his shaking arms. Finally, the door shut behind him, the water cycled out slowly, oxygen filtered in... His legs shook a little as they finally had to carry his weight again.

When the door opened again and he entered, he was glad that nobody ran up to him or paid much attention at first. They seemed to be in some deep discussion, all of them hunched over something in the middle of their little circle. Techno was still there too, looking a little better. Their talk did give Tubbo enough time to fight off the gear he had on, and quite carelessly let it fall on the floor. His body felt so much heavier when he wasn't underwater, but he was still glad that he got all that extra gear off. He thought his limbs might give up otherwise.

After he collected both his thoughts and his strength, he took a deep breath and walked over to the group. Some of them looked excited, others looked relieved about whatever they were talking about. There wasn't even a noticeable mood change when he quietly sat down next to Techno. He did, however, finally acknowledge that Tubbo was back in the base. "Hey Tubbs. How are you feeling?" Tubbo stared at his hands for a second, debating on how much he should say. He didn't really want to ruin the mood. "Alright. It's a bit cold again now, Roier and Foolish are pretty warm. Storm's still going at the surface too."

Techno nodded, already trying to push himself up, but Quackity stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "I got it. You shouldn't move too much still." Tubbo frowned in confusion, watching the other walk down towards their bedrooms. Had he missed something? They all seemed to be in such good moods and getting along well, but when he had left everyone seemed so depressed and angry about everything. 'Maybe they just made progress on a plan, now that you weren't there to ruin everything with your childish need for attention.' He shook his head slightly, trying to ignore the scolding voice of his father. This was just about the last thing he needs right now.

Soon enough, Quackity returned back to the group, carrying a small red bundle and a water bottle. "Here, this should help at least a little bit." Tubbo took both items with a quiet thank you, quickly recognizing that the red bundle was Techno's old jacket. He wrapped it around his shoulders without question, taking the extra layer of warmth over his quickly drying suit. How in the world the jacket is still in one piece and now being passed around as a comfort item is beyond him. Maybe because it's a small piece of normalcy, of the life they used to have, before all this.

The conversation started back up again, but Tubbo honestly barely paid attention. Something about gathering resources, which was expected. They can't do much with Techno and Roier recovering. Instead, he stared at the floor, counting the little patches next to the PDA, absentmindedly taking sips of water. He's still cold, little shivers running down his spine. And while the symptoms would match just having a cold, there was the reasonable, quiet voice that reminded them Cellbit is proven to be infected with something. Something that, realistically, they all probably have. His body could just be the first to show symptoms.

Tubbo had been zoned out for a few minutes, until he was forced back into the conversation. "But before we do that, we have to finish today's little team exercise quest," Quackity said, sitting up straighter and finally looking away from the PDA in their middle. Tubbo hummed in question, confused, but it wasn't long before he was being stared at. By all of them. What exactly had he been missing while he was outside? "I know you're not doing very well recently, but if you need to talk... we're here to listen. All of us, one of us, whichever you prefer. Especially after today."