SBI family AU

Part #30-Recitals

When Tubbo expressed interest in the piano, Techno was a little worried. Piano lessons weren't the cheapest and if Tubbo actually wanted a piano, he wasn't sure they'd be able to afford it. After a lot of begging and promises, Techno finally caved and used part of his bonus to find Tubbo a tutor. The tutor was fairly close to Tubbos school so Techno reluctantly let him walk alone after school.

When Techno arrived to pick up Tubbo, he was treated to the boys rendition of Hot Cross Buns and endless chatter. Tubbo was happily talking about the class on the way home and Techno really tried his hardest to focus on what he was saying, but failed miserably. Tubbo was being rather oblivious to his surroundings and Techno had to yank him out of the road a few times.

After a couple months of lessons, Tubbo ran out of the class to a waiting Techno, jumping up and down, "Dad! Dad! Guess what!"

Techno put his phone away and smiled, "What's up, Tubs?"

Tubbo was practically skipping as they started on their way home, "There's a recital coming up! Can I enter? Please!"

Techno hesitated for a second, a recital meant more lessons and more lessons meant more money. Turning his attention back to Tubbo, he saw the sparkle in his eyes start to dim a bit and he internally panicked, "Yeah, of course you can."

Tubbo's eyes lit up again, "Really?"

Nice going Techno, now you can't say no. Techno put on a smile and ruffled Tubbo's hair, "Yes really. You just have to promise to do your absolute best and to have fun."

"Yes! Thank you, Dad!" Tubbo's smile widened and he continued rambling about his class, but Techno wasn't paying attention.

Techno was busy running numbers in his head, the holidays were only a few months out and he had planned to fly home to celebrate with everyone. They couldn't afford to do lessons and fly out, but there was a chance if he worked a lot of overtime. Looking down at Tubbo, he saw how happy the boy was and internally sighed. This was all going to be worth it in the end.

Techno was tired, he worked from when he woke up till when Tubbo came home, took a break to spend time with him, then picked work back up after Tubbo went to bed. It was all worth it though as Tubbo and him were in the taxi on the way to his recital, the younger nearly bursting from excitement.

When they arrived, Tubbo practically ran out of the car, making Techno briskly walk after him to keep an eye on him. Tubbo was ushered backstage and Techno found himself a seat and got ready to record for Phil and Wil.

After about an hour of classical music, Techno felt sleepiness slowly creep on him until he saw Tubbo shuffle onto the stage. Forcing himself awake, he sat up and started recording.

Tubbo eyes scanned the crowd while he made his way to the front of the stage. When his eyes landed on Techno, his smile widened, "Uh, Hello. My name is Tubbo and I'll be playing Satie's Gym- Gym-no-pédie, No. 1."

Techno beamed as Tubbo was able to pronounce the title, it meant their late night reading was paying off. He double checked to see if the camera was recording as Tubbo sat down to play.

Tubbo missed a few timings, but overall had been able to hit all the notes. When he finished, he stood and bowed, his smile growing when he heard Techno's voice over the crowd's cheers. He patiently waited backstage for everyone else to finish before going to find Techno.

Techno was waiting for Tubbo when he heard some moms talking behind him.

"That one boy was a little old to be in this recital, wasn't he? And he picked such an easy song and still couldn't get it right."

"It's a good thing this wasn't a competition. He would have been so embarrassed in front of everyone playing like that."

Techno turned to face them, forcing himself to bite down his anger, "He's a kid, stop acting like he's going to be perfectly hitting each note. This is a beginners recital, of course there's going to be mistakes." He saw the two women about to retort when he heard Tubbo running up.

"Dad! Did you see me? Did you see me? I did good, right?" Tubbo was smiling and completely oblivious to the women's dirty looks.

Techno smiled and stood, "You did wonderful, Tubbo. Let's go get ice cream to celebrate." As he took Tubbos hand, he shot a dirty glare back at the women and led Tubbo out.

As promised, the pair got ice cream and Tubbo was showered with praise from his uncles and cousin. Techno sat down at the dining room table and began working, the women's words coming back to his mind.

For a moment, he doubted himself as a parent. Perhaps they were right, Tubbo deserved a lot more than Techno could give him. Maybe if he'd spent a little more time working, Tubbo could have gotten more lessons and done better at the recital. Techno was just being selfish, he was holding Tubbo back.

"Dad...?" Tubbos voice jolted him out of his thoughts, "I just wanted to say thank you. For working so hard so that I could do lessons."

Techno looked at him and smiled, "Of course, Tubs. Thank you for being such a good kid. You really made me proud tonight."

Tubbo smiled back and went over to hug Techno, "I love you, Dad."

"Love you too, Tubs."