SBI family AU

Broken promises

Techno groaned as Niki dragged him into his room when they got home from Tubbo's competition. She sat him down in bed and set down his backpack.

"I'll go make you dinner," she said and turned to leave.

"I can help," Techno stood up.

Niki turned to him, "No, you need to take it easy. You just got out of the hospital, give yourself some time."

"Niki, I'm fine, ok? I just spent a week in a bed, let me do something fun," Techno smiled and pushed past her.

"Techno!" Niki huffed and followed him to the kitchen.

"I'm fine, I already took the pain meds they gave me," Techno said as he started rummaging through the fridge.

Niki sighed, "Fine. What do you want to eat," she said as she moved over towards him.

Tubbo came home to Techno and Niki at a stand off, both holding towels. Niki looked at him and Techno winked at him and took the distraction to her hit with his towel, causing her to jump and chase him around the room.

Techno froze and stumbled, grabbing onto the nearest item to lean on, "Pain- Niki-"

Niki rushed over, "What do you need-"

Techno smirked and hit her with the towel, "All part of the plan."

Niki shoved him away, "Techno! That's not funny! I seriously thought something was wrong!"

Techno laughed, "Oh come on! It was funny, right Tubbo?"

Tubbo shifted, "It was a little far..."

"Ok, ok, I'm sorry," Techno tossed his towel aside and got up, accepting Niki hitting him with the towel. As they made their way back to the kitchen, Techno felt his side hurt.

Niki turned as he eased himself into a chair, "Are you being for real or are you just joking?"

"Real," Techno felt pain shoot through him and he started hitting the table, "Definitely real."

Niki glanced at Tubbo and quickly went to get his meds, "I told you to take it easy."

Techno didn't respond and quickly took the pills. He slammed his fist onto the table before cradling his fist.

"Dad-" Tubbo pulled Techno into a hug, "Maybe Mom's right. I think you need to take things slow."

Techno sharply exhaled, "Yeah, probably. Why don't you go get ready for bed?"

"But-"

"He's right. You have a big day tomorrow," Niki smiled and led him away, leaving Techno to wait for the meds to kick in. When she came back, Techno had his knees to his chest and biting his sleeve.

She sighed, "I'm just going to order food. What do you want?"

"Whatever's fine," Techno said as he watched her move to the phone, "I hate this."

"You shouldn't have had those beers," Niki said as he hit the table again.

"I get it, I get it! I didn't know it'd be this bad," Techno grumbled.

"Hopefully this'll be a motivator. We're going back to the doctors tomorrow to get you on something to help you sleep as well," Niki said and stepped out to order food.

Techno got up and started on his way to the couch. Pain shot through him and he stumbled before falling to his knees, doubled over in pain.

Tubbo heard the thud and quickly came out of his room, "Dad? Dad!" Tubbo ran over and looked at Techno, unsure of what to do.

Techno looked up at him, "Hey Tubs-"

Tubbo just sat down next to him and hugged him, "You shouldn't have come to the competition tonight if you weren't any better."

Techno slowly moved to a more comfortable position, "Well they told me I could leave and it was perfect timing."

"That doesn't mean you were any better!"

Techno laughed softly, "You sound like Niki."

Tubbo frowned, "Maybe because it's true."

With a sigh, Techno moved to get up, "I'm feeling better now. Maybe the meds are finally kicking in."

Tubbo watched him stand and slightly flinch before looking down at him with a smile, "Dad, you don't have to act strong for me all the time you know."

Techno paused, "What do you mean?"

"I know you're still hurting, Dad. I'm not stupid," Tubbo said and stood up, "You need to let Mom and I help you, ok? Can you do that for me?"

Techno sighed as Tubbo took his hand, "I'll... I'll try, Tubs."

"Thank you," Tubbo said and helped Techno to the couch. Niki came back in shortly with food to find Tubbo asleep in Techno's arms.

Techno looked up at her and she sighed, putting the food away. Niki joined him on the other side and turned on a movie. Before he knew it, Niki fell asleep leaned against him and he sighed and attempted to fall asleep too.

Tubbo woke up first after Techno jolted awake, breathing heavily, "... Dad? Are you ok...?" Tubbo looked up at him.

"Huh? I- yeah, sorry. I thought I heard something, go back to sleep," Techno smiled and gently shifted Tubbo and Niki off him.

Niki groaned and opened her eyes as Techno got up, "Everything ok?"

Techno looked at her, his breathing still a little off, "Yeah, I just gotta do something really fast."

Niki watched him go before getting up and following him, stopping at his door when he entered his bedroom.

Techno shakily grabbed a bottle and a shot glass before hesitating and pouring, quickly downing the liquor.

"Techno."

He almost dropped the glass and turned around, "I- I'm sorry-"

Niki sighed and took the glass from him and set it down, "You can't do this anymore, it's not healthy."

"I know, it was just habit... I just..." Niki realized he was shaking and she pulled him into a hug.

"Just come to sleep, ok? Tubbo's probably worried now."

Techno froze before pulling away, "I need some time," he quickly moved past her.

"I- Techno-" Niki said and followed him, grabbing onto his hand as he opened the door, "Don't go."

Techno looked at her then a half asleep Tubbo, "I'll be back soon, don't wait up."

"Stop running away from your problems!" Niki said as he pulled his hand away and quickly left, "Techno!"

Tubbo comprehended the situation as the door closed in front of Niki's face, "Is... Are you ok?"

Niki looked back at him, slightly crying, "I'm ok, Tubs, I'm ok."