Chapter Text
“Fifty gold and ten silver,” A pouch of coins is dropped in front of him, hitting the table with a thud. Tommy’s eyes snap to it, before he smiles, reaching out a hand and picking it up. He feels the weight of it, bouncing it in his hand before peering up at the tavern owner.
The guy he brought in was behind the counter already, the gag in his mouth keeping him from talking and screaming, his wrists and feet bound together.
Tommy made good money off of his bounty, practically a steal with how easy it was to find the guy. A little cabin a couple miles off into the woods was not a good hiding spot, especially not so close to town. It was like he was just asking to be found.
“Pleasure doing businesses with you,” Tommy says with a dip of his head, pocketing the coins. The tavern owner gives him a toothy smile with his crooked teeth, his dark eyes flashing in the tavern light.
“Of course, Theseus.” He pauses, “See you around.” He says, before dragging the man into the back. Tommy lingers at the bar stool for a moment longer, allowing himself to warm up. It was fucking freezing outside, and he’d had no reprieve from the cold all day.
His fingers were thoroughly numb, not even his thick winter gloves keeping out the cold, and his nose was burning and starting to run.
He huffs, curling his hands together, before he feels someone’s eyes on him. He glances to the side as nonchalantly as possible, meeting blood red eyes. He pauses, holding the strangers gaze. At first glance he looks like nothing special, a typical traveler dressed in thick winter clothes, but as Tommy looks closer he sees that this was a hybrid.
A piglin hybrid.
Piglin’s weren't really found anywhere in the arctic— as they hated the cold— so it was a rare sight to see one. This guy was decked out though, with his gold and jewelry, not to mention the red cloak he wears as if he were royalty.
He would be fun to try and steal from— Tommy loves a challenge, plus the gold bracelet on his left wrist looks really expensive.
He glances back at his hands, a plan forming in his mind that may or may not get him killed.
Oh well, what is he if not a risk taker?
He takes his leave, a sly smile on his face as he slinks back out into the cold streets of the small village, briskly walking along.
~~~~
“Where is it?” The piglin snarls, slamming Tommy against the brick wall for a second time.
Tommy winces in pain, clawing at the hand wrapped up in his jacket and frantically kicking out with his legs, but the angry hybrid moves his hand from his shirt to his neck, giving him a warning squeeze. He should have not stolen from this guy— big fucking mistake, and now he was paying for it.
Tommy freezes up, his eyes going wide as his breathing stops, all his attention on the hybrid that has him pinned.
The piglin brute— yes a fucking brute because of course he is— gives him a satisfied smile, loosening up on his neck just slightly, not enough to bruise anymore.
Tommy belatedly realizes that his hand is big enough to wrap all the way around his fucking neck.
“W— what?” He manages to croak out, his hands gripping onto the brutes hand around his neck, “I didn’t take anything,” He lies straight through his teeth, hoping and praying that his lie is believable.
He may in fact have stolen something from this hybrid, and definitely haven’t already sold it off.
The piglin doesn’t like that answer as he puts more pressure on his neck, a deep growl rumbling out from his chest.
“Liar,” He sneers, looming over him, his other hand gripping the sword at his side as he unsheathes it. “If you don't hand it over then I will just take it from your corpse.” He snarls, his red eyes narrowed, the sword in his hand glinting in the dying daylight.
Tommy sucks in a sharp breath, panic clawing at his chest as his mind races to find an escape.
“Hey man, I didn’t take shit!” He begins, his voice an octave higher then usual which is still totally manly, “I mean, you’re a piglin! I know how much you guys love your gold and shit— I wouldn’t ever dream of taking anything from one, I swear!” He nervously rambles, sinking further back into his jacket as if he could hide.
“If— if you let me go then I can show you that I don’t have it, no funny business, promise.” Tommy says, giving him a small but hopefully convincing smile. The piglin stares him down with those intense red eyes before he growls again, and suddenly the blade of the sword is pressing against his neck, the cold metal grazing his fragile skin.
Tommy freezes up, his muscles tensing up as he sucks in a sharp breath, his heart pounding.
“Where is it?” He snarls, his other hand pressing on his chest, keeping him pinned.
“I— I really don’t have it!” He squeaks out desperately, “You— you can take my gold coins, they’re in my right jacket pocket, that’s all I have,” Tommy says, wincing internally at giving up all of his money. That would definitely set him back.
The piglin gives him a fucking death look as his hand lifts off his chest, his hand going towards his pocket where he keeps his money. He’s not gentle when he rips open the pocket, his hands almost too big to fit inside of it, but he pulls out his sack of coins. He gives Tommy a glance before looking inside it, tilting the bag to see everything in it.
Tommy sucks in a sharp breath, his eyes pinned on the piglins face as he pulls out a gold coin and inspects it, before tossing it back in the pouch. He drops it on the ground, the coins spilling from the bad and sliding on the ice.
Tommy makes a confused noise, before the piglin starts searching for more pockets Tommy has.
“Woah— hey, the fuck are you doing-“ All he gets is a deep snarl, the blade digging into his neck more and red eyes staring him down. Tommy shuts his mouth, frozen in terror, as the piglin empties all his pockets and weapons onto the ground, searching for the stupid thing he stole.
Fuck, this was embarrassing— and really bad luck— as all of his shit gets thrown on the ground like trash. He really wishes he could just sink into the earth right now and disappear.
His jacket was basically almost all the way off, the chill of the air settling in and taking root, as the piglin reaches for his little bag hooked on his pants.
He suddenly pauses, before the blade against his neck is pulled away, a hand returning to grip his shirt and tug him forwards. Tommy yelps in surprise, before his jacket is being yanked off fully, and his undercoat practically tore off.
“What the fuck are you doing—“ Tommy snaps as the piglin pauses, his red eyes pinned on something behind Tommy, “Hey, stop—“ He exclaims as he realizes what’s happening.
Fuck fuck fuck.
“What is this?” The piglin asks, ignoring Tommy's increased struggles, as his fingers trail down the fabric on his back. Tommy shivers, a distressed whine building up in his chest as he hisses at the hybrid.
“Fuck off! Let me go, prick— mother fucker! Bitch!” He snarls, trying to break free, but the piglin has to strong of a grip on him.
The cold hits his back as the hybrid undos the fabric keeping his wings hidden, leaving him exposed, the red and yellow feathers uncurling from behind his back.
Tommy feels as if time stops in that moment, as his world comes crashing down, his mind short circuiting and leaving him dangling there like a helpless cat.
Avians are super rare hybrids, making them very valuable in the underground markets. They’re hunted down for their feathers, and killed for sport. The best way to survive is to hide, and that was what Tommy had been doing.
Until, well, right now.
He was so fucked.
He lets out a very manly shriek before twisting out of the hybrids hold, biting the hand holding him up. The piglin lets go out of surprise as his tiny fangs prick his skin, falling to the ground before scrambling for his jacket. He nearly trips as he stands up, throwing his jacket around his shoulders and bolting down the alley without a second thought.
His heart is pounding as he runs for his fucking life, praying that no one else just saw what happened. He can hear the hybrid behind him, chasing him, hunting him down as he pushes himself to the max, trying not to slip on any snow or ice.
The cold burns his lungs, his breath puffing out in front of him as he struggles to take in enough air to keep going.
He runs through the alleys, his boots catching in the snow, slowing him down. He silently curses himself for picking a cold place to settle down at. Before he could even fucking react there’s a hand grabbing onto his arm, pulling him back and sending him flying into the snow.
He cries out in surprise landing in the snow, dazed, before there’s a weight on his chest, stopping him from getting back up.
The piglin looms over him, his red eyes narrowed and his face expressionless, yet he has the slightest smirk on his face— like he just won something.
“Let me go! You fucker, fucking piglin piece of shit—“ He shouts, trying to kick him off, but all the piglin does is slap a hand over his mouth to shut him up.
“I think you’re coming with me.”
Tommy stares up at the piglin with quickly growing dread, fear sprouting in his heart as he imagines all of the bad shit that could happen to him.
Fuck.
~~~~
Tommy would like to say that he managed to get his ass out of that situation and moved continents by now, but he’s still stuck.
Literally, tied up to a fucking tree with a rope around his wrists tangled in the branches from his very unsuccessful escape attempts.
He groans, kicking at the tree with his boot and glaring at nothing as he waits for his fucking kidnapper to get back. The piglin had tied him up like a damn animal outside of the small village he had been caught in, before fucking leaving him out here. All that was around him was pine trees and snow, not to mention that it was getting dark and colder by the minute.
His kidnapper at least put back on all his layers— keeping far away from his feathers at Tommy’s insistence— so he doesn't freeze to death.
Tommy tugs on the rope, ignoring the burning in his wrists as he leans all his weight on the damn line like its a snare.
He doesn't know what his kidnapper wants with him. From the way the guy has treated him so far Tommy is pretty sure he’s going to get sold off to some rich fuck and live in a cage for the rest of his life. He definitely did not want that to happen, so he has to try and find a way of escape.
He would have to wait until the hybrid slips up and allows him to make a break for it. Or he could try and kill the guy, too, but he doesn't think that would go over so well, considering the hybrid is like three feet taller then him and could easily knock him out with one punch.
Right, so, Tommy’s life is officially over. He can kiss everything goodbye, from his small little shitty apartment to his meager belongings— all gone. He didn’t even get his shit back that the piglin dropped all over the ground, the fucker.
Eventually, after Tommy freezes his ass off for a while, the piglin comes back. Tommy hadn’t managed to escape, just giving himself rope burn and a nasty sniffle.
The piglin makes his way over to Tommy slowly, as if he hadn’t tied him up and left him for hours. His pink hair was tied up in a rather messy braid with gold mixed in, along with the big fluffy red cloak he wears. There’s a sword sitting at his waist, and no doubt more weapons concealed on himself.
His eyes were the deepest shade of red Tommy has ever seen, big and sharp, cold— his face was painted with long faded scars and a couple freckles dotting his cheeks. Tusks stick out from his bottom jaw, pearly white and dangerous.
His hands were gloved now but they probably had claws on them, and when Tommy looks closer he can see how his ears are pointed, with dangling emeralds and gold in them.
He scowls, upset, pulling at the rope again as he hisses at the piglin, trying his best to be intimidating. The piglin just gives him a ‘are you serious’ look before lumbering over to him.
“Theseus,” He grunts, his voice deep and rumbly, his red eyes settling on him as he stops a foot or two away from him.
Tommy freezes up, his eyes widening before he narrows them.
“How the fuck do you know my name?” He snarls. The hybrid just looks unfazed by his aggression.
“I have my connections,” He shrugs, “It was a small village, a lot of people knew you.”
Tommy bristles at his wording, knew you, as if Tommy was already gone. It makes him angry, as he struggles with the rope more and ignoring the burning in his wrists.
“You should stop that before you hurt yourself.” He grumbles, moving closer to him. Tommy can’t help the way he freezes up for a moment, his blue eyes pinned on the piglin before he's thrashing, kicking out and spewing curses at the man.
“Fuck off! Don’t come near me, you son of a bitch— let me fucking go! Or I’ll fucking kill you, don’t test me mother fucker—“
“Gods, kid,” The hybrid groans, grabbing him by the back of his hood and dragging him closer towards the tree, “Can you calm down?”
Tommy feels his eyes twitch at the audacity this motherfucker has.
“Calm down? Calm down!” He screeches, twisting and kicking at his kidnapper, “You just fucking kidnapped me, do you expect me to be calm about this—“
“No,” The piglin says, his voice bordering on a growl, “But I do expect you to listen to me,” He growls this time, his big hand coming close to his neck, his head— making Tommy freeze up. The hybrid looms over him as his red eyes pin him in place, his hand on the back of his neck, squeezing.
It makes his instincts flare up, telling him to freeze-freeze-freeze as the predator holds him hostage, his hand around his neck making it so easy for him to kill him—
“Good,” The hybrid fucking purrs, letting up pressure on his neck, allowing Tommy to suck in a wheezy breath. His heart was racing as panic curls through his veins, all his focus on the man in front of him.
It brings up old bad memories that make him feel woozy with terror, his vision blurring on the edges as his new reality sinks in.
He got out last time, he can do it again— right?
“Come on,” The piglin grumbles, tugging him along, “We need to settle down for the night before we freeze.”
Tommy has no choice but to follow mute in his terror, as the piglin unties him from the tree, keeping his wrists bound as he's tugged along. His hand is no longer around his neck and slowly he’s starting to break out of his instincts, coming back to himself.
He nearly trips in the snow at one point, but his kidnapper doesn't wait up for him, not giving him a chance to recover as they walk. It was eerily quiet between them, as the sun starts to set, casting everything in long shadows. It was getting colder, too, the kind of cold that you can’t chase away.
Finally, the bastard stops, before glancing back at him with a certain look on his face.
“We’re going to freeze to death out here.” Tommy states flatly, only getting an unimpressed look from the piglin.
“No, we’re not.” He says, before tying Tommy up to a tree again, “You stay right here while I set up camp.” He grumbles, his breath billowing out in front of him as he pulls out a bag hidden underneath his giant ass cloak.
Tommy glares at him, doing his best to flip the guy off with his bound hands.
“So,” He says after a couple of seconds, “Whats your name?” He asks, putting his full weight on the rope as he leans to the side, testing how much give there is.
“Technoblade,” The hybrid says, not even looking up from what he was doing. Tommy pauses, tilting his head in slight confusion and wondering if this guy was just messing with him.
“Did your parents fucking hate you?” He says, holding back a laugh at the ridiculous name. The hybrid gives him a glance, raising an eyebrow at him.
“I gave myself that name,” He says gruffly, only making Tommy laugh harder.
“You— what? Why the fuck would you do that?” He asks, laughing again at the look on his face, “Well, Technoblade, I'm only going to call you Techno because fuck that.” He says simply.
“Thats fine, Theseus,” Techno hums, going back to his work. Tommy bristles at the hybrid.
“Don’t call me that.” He snaps, getting another look from the guy.
“Why not?” He asks innocently enough, but Tommy sees right through it. The prick was trying to rile him up and doing a damn well job at it.
“Because I don't fucking like it, bitch.” He says, huffing,
“Would you rather me call you kid then—“
“No!” He exclaims, tugging at the rope again as he lets out a frustrated noise, “Just call me Tommy, you asshole.”
Techno is silent for a moment before he shrugs, going back to his work.
“Alright, Tommy,” Techno says, “Whatever makes you happy.” He grumbles under his breath, pulling out a tent.
“Has anyone ever told you how much of an ass you are?” Tommy asks, kicking at the snow and getting no response from Techno. “I’m getting cold, are you almost done yet?” Tommy asks impatiently, his eyes scanning over everything Techno has laid out.
He was setting up a small tent now, propping it up and managing to get it up rather fast. It was an old looking thing, with worn green fabric faded from the sun with no windows and just one entrance.
“We’re so going to die,” Tommy says, shifting in the snow, “My life is to short to end here, oh gods, have mercy on me—“
“We’re not going to die,” Techno sighs, standing up as he brushes the snow off his pants, “Stop whinin’ already,” He grumbles, moving towards Tommy again. Tommy backs up and uses the tree as his cover as the hybrid approaches, basically hiding behind it.
He gets a look before Techno grabs the rope and tugs him forwards. Tommy yelps in surprise, before he’s scrambling to get away but the piglin has other plans. He stops Tommy from getting any further away, untying the rope from the tree and tugging him along towards the tent.
“Woah— hey, don’t we need a fire or something?” Tommy asks, “What— what are you doing? Can you just let me go, man, no hard feelings—“
“No,” Techno says, cutting his sentence off as he drags Tommy along, “I got some more layers for you to keep warm, plus the tent will get hot from my body heat, so you’ll be fine.” He says, before his hands are reaching for his own.
No matter how much Tommy wants to pull away he doesn't, barely holding back a flinch as Techno unties the rope around his wrists, freeing him.
His hands linger, though, as he meets his gaze.
“Don’t even think about trying anything,” He says, staring him down, and Tommy nods his head frantically.
“I would never dream of it.” He says, and Techno huffs, before letting his hands go.
“Now, put these on—“
Tommy turns tail and bolts, jumping through the snow as he runs for dear life.
~~~~
Tommy closes his eyes as exhaustion sets in, weighing him down and making him feel groggy.
He hadn’t managed to get far in his escape attempt, only getting a couple yards away before the hybrid caught up with him.
He shivers at the memory, sinking further into the clothes wrapped around him.
Currently he was in the tent, after being forced to put on more layers with Techno’s cloak wrapped around him. It made his instincts on high alert, the smell of a predator surrounding him, making him uneasy, skittish. Every movement from the hybrid made him jerk awake, his blue eyes snapping to the man as terror makes his heart race.
Techno lays by the door way, effectively blocking it, his red eyes lazily watching Tommy.
It made him uncomfortable as he tries to put as much distance between the two of them, but it was nearly impossible to get much further away from him. No matter how tired he doesn't think he could fall asleep like this.
His wrists were bound again after Techno had found the rope burn, giving him a scolding about that before wrapping his wrists with some spare bandages.
Tommy doesn't understand what Techno wants with him.
He was nothing like the others were. It was confusing and off-putting. Clearly Techno wasn’t going to do anything good with Tommy, not after fucking kidnapping him. He was probably going to lock him up and treat him like some fancy exotic pet.
“What do you want with me?” Tommy finally asks in a much smaller voice then he intended, unable to take the uncomfortable silence any longer.
Techno shifts, making Tommy jolt again. He meets his gaze head on, unable to look away, his red eyes drawing him in.
“I’m not going to hurt you if that is what you’re worried about, kid.” He sighs, closing his eyes for a moment, ignoring Tommy’s mumbled I’m not a kid, “I have a nice cottage a couple miles from here, far away from any civilization. My friend lives there with me.” He pauses, his red eyes flickering back open.
“He’s an avian like you. It’s obvious that you aren’t doing great here, and well, my friend is getting broody. He needs something to keep himself busy otherwise he’ll go crazy. Anyways, it’ll be safe for you there.” He hums, his low voice rumbling through the tent, “You’ll never need anything again. You’ll have a warm nest to go back to every night and all the attention you could ever want.”
Tommy hides his face in his jacket not saying a word.
This guy had another avian? Tommy has never meant one before, let alone had an actual flock. It makes something in his chest yearn for it, for another person like him. Avians were very social, they needed a flock otherwise they would go crazy and lose their minds.
But Tommy didn’t want to be this other avians nestling. No matter how tempting it sounded being with another avian, he just— he didn’t want to be someone’s pet. Or rather, Techno’s pet’s pet.
“I don’t want to be your pet.” He says, bristling, “Just— let me go, please? I just want to go home.”
Techno looks almost disgusted by what he just said, recoiling away from Tommy, his red eyes widening ever so slightly.
“Pet?” He growls out as Tommy flinches further away from him, basically cowering under his cloak, “You are not my pet,” He says, his tone leaving no room for argument, “Do you understand me?” Techno asks, and Tommy nods, his heart racing.
“Gods, this is why avians are disappearing.” He says, dragging a hand down his face, “I can’t believe anyone would treat you as a pet.” He snarls. Tommy’s frozen, eyes wide, a fearful chirp building up in the back of his throat.
Techno must notice his panic as he stops the growls in his chest, lowering his gaze.
“You’re not going to be my pet.” He says in a much softer tone, “I’m doing this for my friend, really, but It’ll benefit you both.”
Tommy is too scared to speak, only able to nod his head. He doesn't believe Techno, not one bit. There was no way what he was saying was true. He was probably just trying to get Tommy to lower his guard, to get him to trust him so he could stab him in the back at the very end.
His red eyes meet his again, making his breathing stop.
“But,” he begins, low and dangerous, “That doesn't mean I’ll just let you go.” Tommy imagines he has a rather cruel smile on his face right now. “You’re mine now, kid. No matter how many times you try and run I’ll always find you, no matter how much you struggle I’ll never let you go.” He says simply.
“If you just give in it’ll make all our lives easier.” He says. Tommy remains silent, trying to maintain his breathing. Black spots were starting to fill his vision, his chest tight, too tight to take in any air.
“You need to breathe,” Techno sighs, before he’s moving, coming towards him—
“Easy, relax,” He says, his tone soft as a warm hand slides underneath his back, lifting him up. Tommy can’t move, paralyzed in his fear with his breathing choked up. “See? You’re safe, I’m not going to hurt you,” He promises, slowly moving Tommy to rest against his chest.
Techno takes in exaggerated breathes, running one of his hands down his back, his fingers trailing his spine as he guides his head to rest on his collar bone.
He’s warm, Tommy dimly notes, as he sucks in a stuttering breath. Being so close to a predator was not helping his situation at all.
“Breathe,” Techno says softly, his voice rumbling in his chest, “Match my breathin’, kid.” He rumbles, rubbing his back in soothing motions and being careful of his hidden wings. Tommy shivers, taking in another rasping breath and another after that, hiccuping as his panic starts to subside.
He can feel tears well up in his eyes as Techno holds him, mumbling good for nothing lies under his breath. He doesn't have the energy to push away from him, as he slumps, admitting defeat. Techno lets out a satisfied rumble, tugging Tommy closer, wrapping him back up in his cloak.
“Good,” He praises as Tommy starts to breathe again, “See? You’re safe, I promise.” He rumbles, resting his head on top of his own.
“Let me take care of you now.”
Tommy can’t help it when he passes out, unable to keep his eyes open any longer as tears fall from his eyes, catching in Techno’s shirt.
~~~~
Tommy wakes up warm, which is very unusual. His little apartment that he lived in was never warm, always chilly and cold, leaving him uncomfortably cold the whole day. He was never able to really get warm, since he was meant to be living in the tropics where it hardly dipped below sixty even in the coldest of weathers.
Here was like a slap to the face, freezing his poor hybrid ass. He was not a bird meant for the cold.
Yet he was the warmest he's been since forever, and he allows himself to enjoy it, curling up further as he sinks into the warmth. His mind was all fuzzy and content, and he couldn't help the way he lets out a sleepy trill, rubbing his face on the blanket beneath him.
Something shifts besides him, before it settles. Tommy realizes that the heat is coming from whatever he was laying beside. He shifts closer to the heat, soaking up the warmth even more, leeching off it as much as possible.
Dimly, as he starts to wake up more, he smells the scent of a predator all around him. It takes his sleepy mind a moment to catch up, before he’s freezing up, his limbs tensing as his eyes shoot open.
All he sees is white fabric, from where his face is pressed against presumably Techno’s side— now that he thinks about he can hear his heart beat, a constant thudding, loud and clear. It was momentarily distracting before he snaps out of it, slowly sitting up, as if he was afraid if he moved to fast he’ll alert the piglin to his presence.
Techno has his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling smoothly, laying sprawled out in the tent. He takes up nearly all the fucking space, with the way his arms are splayed out— not to mention that he's laying sideways, taking up even more room! The prick!
His arm is wrapped around him, curled around his body, along with all of the jackets and clothes that Techno had brought with. He was effectively cocooned up, in a messy pile of fabric, with his red cloak wrapped around him.
His scent was so strong all around him to the point that it was overwhelming, making him dizzy as he pulls away, scrunching up his face in disgust.
It smelt like pine and ash, burning his nose and making his instincts go haywire. He should not be anywhere near this guy, let alone so close to him that his scent bothers him this much. He doesn't even want to acknowledge that he had fallen asleep around him in his fucking arms and slept by his side all night.
The only good thing he got out of it was being warm.
He notes that his hands were still tied, though the rope no longer bothered his skin since Techno wrapped his wrists in bandages. He stared at his hands for a moment, wondering if he could somehow cut it and escape, but as he looks around the tent he sees no weapons or anything even remotely sharp.
“Fuck.” He mutters quietly, shimmying out of Techno’s hold, silently mourning the loss of the warmth but he’s used to the cold at this point. He goes over to his corner, throwing the cloak off of him with a disdainful look, huddling in on himself.
Finally, after what feels like ages, Techno wakes, though Tommy has a feeling that the guy was awake all along.
He shifts, making Tommy freeze as he sits up, blinking open those red eyes. His gaze lands on him for a moment, taking him in, before grunting and rubbing at his face.
“Mornin’,” He grumbles, yawning, showing off his very large and dangerous tusks, “How’d ya sleep?” He asks causally, as if they just had a fucking sleepover or some shit.
Tommy stares blankly at him, giving him his best stink eye.
“Stay warm?” He asks, though theres a knowing glint in his eyes as he watches his face morph into one of annoyance.
“Fuck you,” He snaps, and Techno huffs, rolling his eyes.
“I know you tropical avians need the warmth. It’s odd that you would choose the arctic of all places to settle.” He hums, watching his reaction closely. Tommy bristles, getting all fired up.
“Well it’s fucking easier to hide wings under layers of clothes, innit? Plus no one would be looking for avians in the fucking icy tundra, dip shit.” Tommy snaps and Techno shrugs.
“Fair enough.” He says, before he's pulling out a random ass bag— did he sleep on it all night?
“Here,” He says, grabbing a handful of stuff out from it. He holds out his hand to Tommy, showing him what he had to offer. As Tommy suspiciously peers closer at it he recognizes his stuff— his bag of gold coins, a golden bracelet that he stole and had kept becuase of how shiny it was and a couple other trinkets he kept on him.
None of his weapons were offered up, though, as Tommy eyes his possessions, wanting so badly to take them but he refrains. This had to be some kind of trap. His blue eyes trail back up to Technos, shrinking in on himself as he meets his gaze.
“Take em, kid.” He sighs, “They’re yours.” He hums, holding his hand out further. Tommy can’t help but flinch away, eyeing him warily. Techno doesn't come any closer, though, just holding his hand out patiently like Tommy was a scared animal.
Tommy scowls before reaching out with his bound hands and quickly snatching them up, making sure not to drop any of them as he huddles back in on himself, running his fingers over his meager amount of items.
He ignored Techno’s smug look as the piglin starts getting ready for the day, putting on his layers and going through his things.
Tommy was perfectly content staying in the warm tent for as long as possible, as he tucks away his things into his pockets, making sure they were extra secure. He feels a little better having his things back.
“You should start getting ready to leave,” Techno suggests, glancing over at him, “Put your layers on, it’s going to be cold.”
“Fuck off,” Tommy snaps, decidedly not doing what Techno says, “I’d rather freeze then listen to you.” He grumbles, curling his fingers into his jacket as he stares at Techno. Techno just gives him a look.
“Tommy.” He says simply, trying to be all intimidating and shit, but it wasn’t going to work! Tommy was a big man and did not get intimidated by stupid mother fuckers like Techno.
“What?” He asks, giving Techno a glare.
“Put your layers and get ready.” He says, his tone leaving no room for disagreement. Tommy ignores the way it makes his heart flutter nervously as he shrinks in on himself more, hiding in the fluff of his hood.
“Fine,” He hisses out, not meeting his gaze, “I’m only doing it because I’m cold, not because you told me to do it, prick.” He grumbles, ignoring Technos satisfied huff.
Fuck him.
After Tommy gets all his layers on they pack up, and by they Tommy means just Techno, because he was not going to help his kidnapper. His hands were still bound, and no amount of cursing or struggling will get Techno to take it off again.
They start traveling again, sticking to snowed over pathways that go through the sparse pine forest. The sky was covered in grey clouds, a cold breeze blowing past, stinging Tommy’s face where it wasn’t covered. They’re both quiet for a while, as Techno tugs him along by the rope around his wrists, occasionally glancing back at him.
Tommy trudges along, dragging his feet in the snow, trying to be as slow as possible. Clearly Techno was taking note of it, though he slows his pace to match Tommys.
Eventually, though, Tommy starts to get hungry.
He says nothing at first, though it’s really hard to ignore when he hasn’t had a solid meal in a couple days.
“Can you let me go?” Tommy asks, pulling on the rope, though all he gets in response is Techno tugging the rope harder, making him stumble in his steps.
“No.” Techno huffs out, his breath billowing out in front of him and curling around his head.
“Why the fuck not?” Tommy asks in the whiniest voice he could muster.
“I’ve already told you why.” Techno says.
“What? So you can give me to your other avian? Yeah, real good fucking reason, prick.” He grumbles bitterly under his breath, but Techno must still hear him from the look he gets.
“I’m not giving you to him, per se, more like… protecting you.” Techno hums, and Tommy scowls, glaring at Techno.
“Protecting me? Protecting me!” He exclaims, stopping in his tracks, making Techno stop too. The piglin turns to face him, his red eyes pinned on him, slightly narrowed and his grip on the rope tight. “How is this protecting me? After you fucking kidnapped me and took me from my home! I was doing perfectly fine, you—“
“No you weren’t.” Techno cuts him off with a growl, making Tommy lock up. “I saw your apartment, your belongings— not to mention how malnourished you are. You’re starving.” He states bluntly, gesturing to Tommy.
Tommy feels his cheeks burn as he takes a step back, opening his mouth to retort back but nothing comes out. He just feels stupid and embarrassed, self conscious about himself and where he had been living.
“I— I’m not starving,” He says weakly as Techno gives him a disbelieving look.
“Right, just like how you’re thriving here, all alone, with no other avians around? Not to mention you don’t have anybody else here.” Techno takes a step towards him, reeling in the slack on the rope so Tommy can’t back up any further. “You need a flock.” He says as he gets closer, like a predator stalking its prey, cornering him.
“You’re fucking lucky that it was me who found you.” He says, his voice just above a whisper, “Anyone else would have sold you off already and stuck you in a cage.” His voice edges on a growl, as he stalks closer, basically looming over him now.
“I’m taking you in, giving you a home, someplace safe with another avian— how could you refuse something like that?” Techno asks, reaching out and resting a hand on his shoulder. Tommy tenses up, his chest constricting as he stops breathing, his blue eyes pinned on Techno.
Techno closes his eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath before his eyes open again.
“Avians are very rare, Theseus. Not only for the sake of my friend but for your species I can’t just let you go.” He says simply, leaning his head in towards his own, “One day, we’ll end this act of injustice on avians— but for now, you just need to let me take care of you.” He says, his intense gaze meeting his own.
“Come on,” He says as he pulls back, his hand lifting off his shoulder, “I think it’s time for lunch.”
Tommy mutely nods his head, following after Techno with shaky steps, letting his words settle.
He was so fucked.
~~~~
The grueling days and nights continue on, before they all eventually start to blur together.
Tommy is never allowed to leave Techno’s side. The piglin has to be with him wherever he goes. There was no other chances of escape, no slip ups from the hybrid, no one off chances at escape. He was stuck, around the predator, whose scent infiltrates his nose and makes him on edge.
At least he had some of his things back so when he gets bored at night he can pull out his shiny bracelet and feel the metal and gems with his fingers.
The piglin is clingy, possessive— always wrapping Tommy up in his cloak, basically drowning him in his scent, a claim. His instincts were starting to accept him— which is really fucking bad, but he can’t do anything about it because he can’t fucking leave.
Techno knows exactly what he’s doing and it pisses Tommy off that he can’t stop him. At least he hasn’t tried to touch his wings at all— not that he could, really, hidden underneath all his layers. His wings were starting to get sore and hurt, though. But he refuses to expose them around Techno. For all he knows the piglin will try and touch them!
And it’s not like Tommy could stop him if Techno was dead set on something. He’d proven that many fucking times already, the piglin was just to strong. He was not willing to take that risk anyways, even if it was starting to bother him.
Currently they were stopped for lunch, as Tommy eats a bowl of soup, struggling with each spoonful with his bound hands. His back aches, and he can’t find a good position to sit so it doesn’t hurt. Techno keeps giving him looks as he eats, clearly wanting to ask what was up with him. Tommy just glares at him.
“Are your wings bothering you?” Techno asks. Tommy freezes up mid spoonful, before he swallows, his blue eyes meeting Technos.
“No.” He says in a very convincing voice, but Techno just gives him a look.
“So they are.” He says, and Tommy wilts, inching away from him. “You should let them loose for a while, it’s not good to have them bound like that.”
“No,” Tommy snaps, bristling, “I am not letting you around my wings.” He hisses, narrowing his eyes at Techno. Techno returns his gaze with a dark one.
“I wasn’t really asking, Theseus.” He says and Tommy flinches, dropping the spoon in his hand.
“It’ll— it’ll be to difficult to take everything off with my hands bound.” He says weakly, and Techno just huffs, closing his eyes for a moment.
“I’ll untie you just this once so you can free your wings, got it?” Techno says, his red eyes pinning him down, “If you try anything, kid, then I’ll tie you back up and do it myself.” He threatens as Tommy nods his head. He doesn’t want Techno anywhere near his wings— it makes his heart palpate nervously and his head go a little fuzzy just thinking about it.
Techno huffs before coming over to Tommy, setting his bowl down on the log he had been sitting on. He sits down beside Tommy, ignoring the way he flinches back, grabbing the rope and his hands gently.
He unties it, freeing his hands and taking the rope with himself. Tommy slowly brings his hands to his chest, rubbing his sore wrists and warily watching Techno. Techno watches him intently, his eyes never leaving him. Tommy swallows nervously, glancing down at his hands with a small frown.
He could try and escape.
He starts taking off his jacket, cringing at how cold it is, feeling the little bit of warmth he had seeping away.
Techno glances over at a bird for a moment, taking his attention off Tommy as he watches the finch land right by his feet. It was the chance Tommy needed.
He reels his arm back, balling his hand into a fist before punching Techno as hard as he could. His hand connects on the side of his head, dazed, as Tommy lunges forwards tackling Techno to the snow.
The hybrid growls, reaching for him but Tommy’s quicker, punching him square in the face. Technos out of it for a moment as Tommy fumbles with the rope, grabbing his hands and tying them together, before hastily tying the rope around the fallen log. He makes it as tight as possible, before pausing, taking in labored breaths as he glances back at Techno.
He’s on the ground in the snow, starting to come back to himself. Tommy scrambles for his sword, tossing it aside, along with a knife he finds, though he holds onto it.
He shakily stands up, brushing off the snow and putting his jacket back on, zipping it up as Techno snarls, thrashing as he tries to escape.
He laughs, a crazed noise as he stumbles backwards, holding the knife tightly in his hands.
“Did you fucking forget who I am?” Tommy asks, gaining his attention. Techno bares his tusks at him, his red eyes narrowed in fury, tugging at the rope. “I’m a bounty hunter, motherfucker, I do this shit for a living.” He takes in a deep breath, the cold air stinging his lungs— only this time it was refreshing.
“I— I should kill you.” He stutters out, tightening his hold on the knife, “Like I did the others who took me.” He takes a step towards Techno, meeting his gaze with his unstable one.
“Don’t do something you’ll regret, Theseus.” He snarls, pulling at the rope, shifting the log just slightly in the snow.
Tommy freezes in his steps, staring him down.
“You’re right.” Tommy sighs, “I should just— leave.” He takes a step back, then another, ignoring Technos growls and threats.
“I’ll hunt you down,” He growls, “You’re mine, Theseus— you don’t just get to run away.”
“Watch me, bitch.” Tommy says, twirling the knife in his hand, feeling the weight of it, “I’ll kill you if you come after me.”
Techno just snarls at him as Tommy makes his way away from him, crunching through the snow in light steps.
“You won’t last a night out here,” Techno says, snarling, “You need me—“
“No I fucking don’t!” Tommy shouts, “I’ve made it this long without you, what makes you think I need you?” He sneers, flipping Techno off.
“This has been so much fun, but I’m leaving now. See you never, prick.” He says, before turning around, ignoring Technos snarls and growls as he disappears into the forest
He runs, jumping through the snow, trying to get as much distance between the two of them.
He has no plan other than run as far away as he can. He knows he needs to find shelter otherwise he’ll freeze, and he doesn’t really want to do that.
But he escaped, and that’s all that matters.
~~~~
Tommy was a bounty hunter. He had brought in many people, he’s done a lot of bad things along the way— he’s killed, in life or death situations.
He was a survivor, a fighter, never staying down for long.
This situation was pretty much the same. Techno was hunting him down for being an avian, plain and simple. The piglin was preaching about being righteous and kind, lying straight through his teeth as he hides his true colors.
He was going to kill Tommy back in that alley until he saw his wings. Thats the only reason why he’s alive now. And currently, he is running out of time as he runs from Technoblade.
The piglin was hunting him down like prey, following his trail through the snow as if on a hunt— Tommy just knows that’s exactly what he was doing. Playing the long game, letting him tire out as he closes in, dragging out the chase.
Tommy didn't intend on letting Techno win, though, as he trudges through the snow, going in circles and leaving behind confusing trails. It was the best he has right now, as he heads for what he thinks is east, trying to make it back to the village he had been staying at.
If Techno catches him he knows there is no second chance of escape like this. He can’t let that happen, no matter what.
The daylight was starting to fade, too, as the sun sets behind the clouds, getting darker.
Tommy had found no shelter, no place to hide in for the night. Just pine trees and snow, stretching for as far as he can see. He was starting to get a little worried that he was going to freeze out here.
He presses on, ignoring how exhausted he feels as he pushes himself, trying to even out his breathing as best as possible. His throat was dry and he was thirsty, his whole body starting to go a little numb, from exhaustion or the cold he's not sure.
He has to keep moving, no matter what— he fears if he stops he won’t be able to keep walking.
He can hear crunching behind him as he ducks, stumbling forwards as a growl sounds behind him. His heart kicks into over-drive as he whips around, coming face to face with Technoblade. The piglin’s eyes are pinned on him as he lunges at him again, not holding back.
Tommy knew that rope wouldn't be able to hold him for long.
He moves out of the way again, dodging his attack as he starts to run through the snow.
“Theseus,” He hears Techno call as he gives chase, “You can’t run from me—“ He growls as he grabs him by his hood, dragging him backwards with a yelp, choking him in the process. He scrambles to grab onto Technos hand to try and pry him off, kicking at his legs in any vain attempt to escape.
He manages to hit Techno behind the knee, sending him stumbling forwards into the snow, as he bites down on his hand, his sharp teeth drawing blood. Technos grip on him loosens, giving Tommy just enough room to wrench his head free. He falls into the snow, before he gets up, running.
Techno snarls behind him, giving chase again, but this time Tommy has a better head start.
His chest is heaving for air as he runs, the cold air stinging his eyes and cheeks, the dying daylight making everything hard to see. He nearly slips in the snow a couple times, adrenaline fueling him to keep going as he doges trees and rocks.
He comes across a large flat field, as he keeps running, not even sparing a glance behind him.
He hears the earth beneath him groan and crack, vibrations scattering through the ground with each step he takes.
“Oh fuck.” Tommy curses— he was running across ice right now, and as he looks he notes just how big this fucking lake was. It should be thick enough for him to run across it— hopefully— as he keeps going, having no time to change his direction.
The further out he goes the more he hears the cracks and shattering of ice beneath him, making him slow down a notch. He can’t hear Techno behind anymore as he keeps going, huffing and panting for breath, his heart pounding.
His foot hits the ice, and before he could react he was going under.
A scream dies on his lips as he’s dunked into the freezing water, the cold a shock to his system. Black spots fill his vision as water fills his mouth, his wet clothes making it hard to swim and dragging him down more. He kicks his feet desperately, finding ground beneath him and pushing himself back up to the surface frantically, fighting the small current trying to drag him away.
He gasps, spitting out water as he grabs onto the ice around him, trying to drag himself out but he’s just too heavy.
The cold was freezing, burning him, as he struggles to breathe as he hacks up water. He hangs half off the ice and half in the water, struggling to move, to save himself as he claws desperately at the ice in front of him.
He hears footsteps approaching him, fast and frantic, before he’s being dragged out of the water and onto the ice.
“Fuck.” Techno curses under his breath, as he hauls him upwards, his big hand grabbing his face. “Look at me, kid,” He says, but everything was blurry and hard to see. He couldn't tell what was going on anymore. He didn't feel cold, either, and wasn’t shivering. He just felt kinda numb.
“Techno?” He croaks out. Thats a bad thing if he got Tommy, but he can’t really remember why. No, it must be a good thing someone found him, so maybe he won’t die.
“Yeah, it’s me, I’m gonna get you warmed up, Theseus, just— stay with me, okay?” Techno says, and they’re moving, but Tommy can’t see where. He closes his eyes with a hum, his body limp, unresponsive.
“Mkay,” He says quietly, his ears starting to ring.
“Tommy, keep your eyes open, kid.” Techno says, but he sounds far away, “Tommy—“
Tommy lets himself succumb to unconsciousness, drifting away into the welcoming arms of sleep.