Chapter Text
A young brunette releases a sigh, the cold air turning his breath into visible vapor in front of him as he walks. The night sky is clear, and the stars shine brightly, unaffected by any street lamps as the man walks further away from civilization. His feet move knowingly, as if he had walked the same path manny times, which would be true. Most nights, the same brunette would walk the trail, up to the bridge that spanned across a deep valley, where a winding river laid nestled at the bottom. The view was beautiful, as always, yet the young man finds himself stuttering to a stop, as he spots someone else sitting on the same bridge he usually sits at.
With new urgency, the brunettes shoes crunch against the gravel path as he walks over to the new person. The other man had long, braided pink hair, and visible pointed ears, even if he was turned away from the brunette. It was clear he was a hybrid, so there was no way the older man hadn’t heard the brunette approach. Still, he clears his throat to announce his presence, just to be polite. It’s only then that the other turns to look at him, his red eyes seeming to seize him up, taking in the yellow jumper, ripped jeans, and thin rimmed glasses that half his behind his curly and wild hair. The brunette got a good look at the other, as well, with tusks jutting up from his bottom jaw, and deep eye bags laying under the orders red eyes, as if they lived there constantly.
The hybrid just chuffs, and turns back around to face the view, and the brunette steps forward, drawing himself into the bridge ledge, settling into a sitting position as well. There is a decent gap left between the two men, as their legs dangle over the emptiness below them.
”My names Wilbur. And you appear to…” the brunette, Wilbur, stops, trying to find an appropriate sentence instead of what he was going to say. And you appear to have stolen my spot, doesn’t seem very affective. “Need a helpful ear. Got anything you want to get off your chest?” His voice is soft and ringing, confidence laced under his words. The pink haired man just leans back, looking up at the stars. Silence settles over the two for a few minutes, when the older man decides to finally speak up.
”Call me Techno.” Pinkette, Techno, says. His monotone voice catches Wilbur slightly off guard, as he had nearly forgotten that there was someone else there, and he looks over at the older man. It seemed as though he didn’t have any other words to speak, so Wilbur looks back out across the view, fiddling with the hem of his jumper. It was rather peaceful, despite Techno being there. Mild irritation bloomed in his chest as he realizes that his special place isn’t much of a secret anymore, and he sighs. Techno glances over at him, an eyebrow raised in question. Wilbur clears his throat.
”So, what brings you out here on this fine night? Admiring the view? Getting away from people? Away from the noise?” The younger asked, kicking his feet out. Techno startles at the last bit, and the brunette tilts his head a bit. The hybrid just scowls, and schools his face back to its non-expressive state. Wilbur hummed in agreement, even if the other hadn’t said anything. “Yeah, I get that. Being around people and cars and all that… noise… sometimes up here is the better option.” Wilbur continues, casting his eyes up at the sky, unaware of how Technos face twisted into one of equal confusion and understanding. It’s silent again, the sounds of crickets and frogs cascading in the peaceful air.
”I just want them to be quiet.” The pinkette admits after a while, and Wilbur doesn’t question who the other was speaking about. After all, he understood, even if not specifically what the other meant. Wilbur sits straight, drawing his legs onto the ledge to sit criss-cross. He looks over at the older man once more, grinning.
”Well I have a solution! Well,” he hesitates, as the other snaps their scrutinizing gaze towards him. Some enthusiasm dips, but the younger shakes it off. “At least, it worked for me. Music!” He says, splaying his hands out in emphasis. Techno seems to question wether he is being honest, but the hybrid still seems fully engaged in what Wilbur was saying, even going far enough to draw his legs back onto the ledge and mimic Wilburs position. The younger gives him a wide smile. “When things got too loud, I either put some headphones in, or I go to play my guitar, or practice lyrics! Even making simple beats distracts me from the noise.” He says, honesty and longing filtering in his voice, as sadness cascades across his eyes. Instead of going more in-depth, he starts tapping the railing with his feet.
Wilbur established a quick and easy beat, encouraged by an ear flick from the other. Technos gaze seemed to be locked on the brunettes feet as they made noise. It doesn’t take long for the older to hesitantly join in the beat, with his own feet. Excitement bordered Wilburs voice, as he starts singing sharp yet beautiful notes, causing Technos head to snap up to his face, eyes calculating. Wilbur didn’t sing any words, no, he just held long lasting vowels, grinning madly as it echoes through the valley. It reminded him of that one song from the Disney movie Frozen 2, and Wilbur can’t help but shift into the song.
”Into the unknown~ Into the unknown~ Oo~, Oo~!” Techno makes an odd choking noise that Wilbur realizes meant the man was laughing. The brunette dissolves into laughter as well, grinning over at the older man. They both let their feet rest, and just take in the moment. “I’m bonding with a guy on a bridge.” Wilbur says abruptly, nose crinkling a bit. Techno huffs out a bit of laughter again, and Wilbur decides to start counting his successes.
“Really? Well there’s this insufferable kid that interrupted my evening-“ the other started, and Wilbur gasps dramatically, leaning back and pressing his hand against his chest as if he were just insulted.
“I am insulted. I’ll have you know, you ruined my plans as well!” Wilbur says, tilting his nose upwards as if to mime being snobby. Techno rolls his eyes, that have significantly lightened in tone, Wilbur notes. They had been blood red, but were now a more muted pink, making the brunette wonder if it had something to do with his hybrid traits. His thoughts were interrupted by the older once more.
”Bruuuuuh….” Wilbur stares at him for a moment, as the hybrid drags the word out for an unnecessarily long time. Silence settled between them, and the brunette glances down the path he had came up.
”You are a man of few words, aren’t you Techno?” He says randomly, drawing the conversation back. The other only responded with a brief nod, and Wilbur sighs, leaning backwards until he was laying down on the bridge railing like it was a bench. “So, want to talk about what drove you out here on such a cold night?” He asks aloud, speaking more to the sky from his new position. It was quiet for a moment more, and the brunette wasn’t really expecting an answer.
”I’m a piglin hybrid. That comes with the lovely attachment of voices that drive me up the wall endlessly.” Techno pauses, as if waiting for the younger to say something, but Wilbur just hums in acknowledgement to let the other know he was still listening. Hesitantly, the older continued. “And tonight they were so, so loud, and I just wanted them to stop. For good, I guess.” Techno looks out over the valley, and releases a tight breath. “You were right though, music did calm them down a bit. I might use that in the future.” Wilbur raises an arm up in the sky, and points in Technos direction.
”Correction, you will use it in the future, so that they don’t drive you to a bridge. Ever again.” The brunette demands, and Techno chuffs, a small, nearly unnoticeable smile gracing the mans face.
”Alright, I will use it in the future.” Techno hesitates, before really looking at the younger. “So, why are you up here?” He says, and Wilbur tenses, as if not expecting the question. There was an uneasy silence that falls, before the brunette responds.
”No real reason, was just hiking the trail, you know how it is.” The younger replied, his words strained. Techno chuffs in disbelief, but doesn’t push Wilbur for an answer. The brunette continues, shifting the conversation topic. “And by the way, you should probably talk to someone, or something. Got anyone close to you?” He lifts his head so he can meet Technos gaze, and the older nods again, before focusing on his finger nails. Wilbur drops back into his laying position, staring up at the stars. “Well then talk to them. It’s always good to have people on your side, make sure that you use it if you need too.” He says, before sitting up again, and throwing his legs back onto solid ground, gravel crunching under his shoes once more.
”Well, this was pleasant. I suggest we go back to town now, though. There are critters out here.” The brunette says, watching Techno as the man follows suit.
”I’ll walk ya back, kiddo.” The pinkette says gruffly, and Wilbur rolls his eyes, but doesn’t protest. The two starts down the rail, the only sounds being their breathing, the disturbance of the gravel under their feet, and the occasional rustling of the wilderness. It was rather… relaxing, despite the fact the two had been on movement away from death not long ago. The darkness is broken by street lights, as the two finally reach the end of the gravel path and step onto the solid cement of the sidewalk. “Which way you going?” Techno asks, glancing over at Wilbur. The brunette looks… down at Techno, and tries to stifle a burst of laughter as he realizes that he was nearly a full head taller then the piglin hybrid. Techno must have seen the laughter on his face though, as he scowls and points threateningly at him. “Don’t. Say. A word.” But there was light hearted humor behind the mans threat, and the younger one just shakes his head.
”I’m headed this way.” Wilbur points to the right, and Techno nods briefly.
”Welp, this is where we split, I suppose. Bye, kiddo.” The older man says, moving forward and extending his arm out in an attempt to rustle the tall mans hair. Before he could even touch the brunette, he flinches away, as if expected something else. Techno squints, as something bubbles in his gut whilst he pulls his hand away. “Take care of yourself, yeah?” The hybrid says, receiving a nod from the now tense Wilbur. The pinkette chuffs softly, before turning and trudging down the road, hands stuffed in his pockets. The brunette watches him go, refusing to say another goodbye, before pivoting and heading towards his own home.
The piglin hybrid strides down the street, his mind overflowing with thoughts on what had happened earlier in the evening, as he reaches his home. The pinkette strides up to the door, slamming it open loudly, startling the two other residents that were settled on the couch. Both were blonde, with blue eyes, but one had charcoal grey wings and a green and white striped bucket hat, while the other was wearing a red and white T-shirt. Techno closes the door behind him, as he shuffles over to the couch, plopping onto it by the winged mans side.
”Uh, you alright there,Techno?” Said man asks, extending a wing to wrap around the troubled hybrid. The other blonde peaks around the winged fella to look at Techno as well. He chuffs, and closes his eyes for a moment, before deciding to take the young brunettes advice. He sits up, nearly knocking the wing off of his shoulder, but it still wraps comfortably around him.
”Phil, Tommy. I have something I need to tell you two, and I need you not to freak out, okay?” Techno starts, carefully watching the two other residents. He is greeted with respectful nods, despite the younger blonde seeming to want to explode with questions. Techno presses his palms against his knees, trying to find the right words to explain what had happened, without breaking his friends hearts. “Okay. I was going to jump off a bridge.” He says, his mouth betraying him, and the bluntness rolls off of his tongue, as well as off of his shoulders. The sudden admittance removed a heavy weight that had settled over him, and he glances up at the two, only to be met with horrified and concerned expressions. Phil’s wing curled tighter around him, and Techno relishes in the warmth.
”Techno, buddy, can you tell us why?” Phil’s voice is soft, but the fear that sank into the words pierced at Techno's heart. He dips his head in shame, his pointed ears twitching nervously. Tommy remained silent, but now had Phil’s other wing wrapped around him as well.
”Well, the voices got really loud, and I just- wanted silence, for once.” Techno says, understanding how utterly dumb that sounded. He startles at the feeling of a hand settling on his head. The piglin hybrid makes eye contact with the winged man, and nearly melts at the compassion and care that flooded from the older mans gaze.
”Techno, you should have told us. We could have found a way to help!” Tommy finally speaks up, eyebrows furrowed. His words ring with honesty, but he seems to still be containing his usual boisterous attitude. Techno flushes, and nods awkwardly.
”Yeah, I know. But um. Well. Someone found me, and sat with me. We hung out for a while, and when I finally told him why I was there, he suggested music. And the dude was right, as well. As soon as he started tapping a beat and singing, the voices grew quiet.” Techno looks at the two, an odd emotion passing between the blondes faces.
”Let me get this right, you met a wrong’un on a bridge, and told him about your voices?” Tommy clarifies. “And he helped?” Techno nods slowly, not sure how he felt about the younger calling Wilbur a wrong’un, especially when the brunette had saved his life. Phil follows up with another question.
”So, he knew you were a hybrid, helped you, and… did he ask for anything in return?” The avian questions, receiving a simple ‘no’ from Techno. The feathers swathing Techno puffed up a bit. “And he was human?” Techno shrugs.
”I didn’t ask. But he seemed younger then Tommy, must’ve been 16 or something. He didn’t ask for anything, no, just helped out. His name was Wilbur.” Techno says, his tusks grating against his top teeth a bit. The boy had saved his life, and it seemed as though his friends didn’t share the same sentiment. But he relaxes when Phil huffs a soft, hysterical chuckle.
”Well thank prime that he was there. Wouldn’t know what I would do without you, mate.” Tommy nods in agreement with the older blonde. The three sat there on the couch, as the night moved on. Slowly the pinkette was lured into sleep by the warmth of his friends, and the soft lull of many voices that whispered in his ears, the calmest they had been in months.
Wilbur makes his way slowly down the street, crossing his arms and keeping his eyes on the ground. He comes to a stop in front of the drive way that led up to his house, staring at it warily, as if it were going to jump up and bite him. With a deep breath, the brunette forces himself forward, opening the door and stepping into the cold house, closing the door behind him. Stepping forwards, the floorboard releases a loud groan, and someone stirs in the house.
”Wilbur Soot!” A voice booms through the house, and the brunette flinches, poking his head through the doorway that leads to the living room. On the couch sat his father, holding a bottle of beer, and scowling angrily. The young man wonders if he could flee to his room, before his father caught eyes on him, only to freeze as they make direct eye contact. The man stands, stumbling a bit, and Wilbur backs away from the doorway, grasping nervously at the hem of his jumper as his father stumbles across the room, coming to a stop as he leans against the doorframe Wilbur had just been standing in. “Where th’ ’ell hav’ ye been boy?” The man slurs, pointing accusingly at the brunette.
Wilbur flinches away from the outstretched finger, making his father smirk. “Awe, di’ tha’ scare ya’? Le’me give ya’ som’tin to fear!” The man whips forward quicker then expected, lashing a half closed fist against Wilburs face. The brunette yelps, and tumbles back, as the man cries out, cradling his hand. His father glares at him bitterly, as Wilbur scrambles for the stairs, trying to find his glasses that had slammed off of his face. His fingers brush against the broken pieces of them, snatching them quickly before standing and scurrying up the stairs. “Ya’ ‘roke my fing’rs ya prick!” His father shouts, the gravelly voice following the fleeing brunette up the stairs.
Wilbur slides into his room, locking his door behind him before burrowing into his bed, hiding under the blankets like a child. The brunette cradles his broken glasses against his chest, as he brushes his empty hand against his already bruising cheekbone. He was late home, as usual, but his father wasn’t usually this drunk so early. It had caught him off guard. The brunette buries his face into his pillow, trying to stifle the tears that burn in the corner of his eyes.
The young man had even done good today, helping someone when they needed it! Where was his good karma? With a quiet whimper, the boy drifted off to sleep, embraced by the cold, and pain that radiated from his face.