Chapter Text
It is almost the morning by the time Technoblade reaches his usual limit, lowering his sword to signal to the boy opposite that he is finished with their display. Nexus, for all his faults, notices immediately and slams his sword down as hard as he can against Techno’s, before a flash-bomb is set off. He pretends to be disorientated for a moment, and by the time the smoke has settled, the vigilante is gone.
The bunch of teens that had been videoing the fight will be enough proof that Techno has been doing his job of trying to capture the wayward man.
Disappearing from the streets, he travels by shadows up to the rooftops, where the vigilante is waiting for him like usual.
‘Good fight,’ Nexus pants, trying to look like he isn’t in the least bit phased by the hour they just spent chasing each other around the city.
Techno remains impassive. ‘Your left side was open today.’
He reaches into his cloak for the sandwich he hastily wrapped before leaving for patrol, chucking it over the distance. The vigilante grins, snatching it from the air and sniffing at it like Techno might try and poison him. Even after all these months, and the hundreds of sandwiches that have been exchanged, Nexus always looks hesitant when it comes to food.
Techno turns his back when the kid rolls his mask up, looking out across the city instead.
‘Got injured earlier,’ the boy mumbles around a mouthful of egg and cress. Techno’s comms had told him that a bank robbery had occurred down in the lower district, which was probably the moment where Nexus took a hit.
‘Careless,’ Techno remarks, even if he scans the boy over the moment he can turn back. He’s favouring his right, a slight limp on his left foot. Blood stains his abdomen, but it looks to be more of a scratch than anything else.
Nexus flips him off. ‘Fuck you, Blade. You try clearing an entire bank by yourself.’
Ah, so he was correct about his assumption about the bank.
‘Been there, done that,’ he drawls in response, smirking to himself when the boy’s head snaps back to him. Under the mask, he suspects the kid is frowning. ‘Do you need a health-potion?’
It’s not like it would be easy to get the kid one, not without Phil finding out he’d taken one. Regardless, the kid’s been his issue ever since he was assigned to him at Christmas, and he’s not planning on letting him die.
‘I am simply too big of a man to need one,’ the kid snaps, jutting his chin out in a challenge that Techno ignores. They’ve already had their fight, there’s no need to push harder. If Techno had known the kid was that badly injured, he might not have stretched it out for as long as he had.
It was mostly for the media’s benefit. They saw him tracking down a vigilante, and the public were less likely to trust all the vagabonds that randomly appeared in this city. It didn’t matter that Nexus was ultimately the best vigilante this city had seen in a very long time.
‘I’ll remind you of that when you next get shot.’ As he usually does during these meetings, Techno takes in every detail he can. The suit has been hastily repaired from a tear last week, and the comms in Nexus’ ear is a jumbled piece of technology. His gloves are firmly in place, no piece of skin exposed to the daylight. Techno suspects that the kid is probably a hybrid of some sort, and that’s why his suit covers so much.
Hybrids aren’t necessarily rare, but it would narrow down the search for his human identity.
‘I don’t get shot that often,’ Nexus says conversationally, stretching out his arms and rocking onto his heels.
Since Techno first ran into the kid, he’s grown about an inch. He’s decided that Nexus can’t be much older than twenty, and even that might be pushing it. Quietly, and out of the records he keeps, he suspects the boy isn’t eighteen yet.
‘You’ve been shot twice since we met,’ Techno points out.
He has to admit, he hadn’t expected to become attached to a young vigilante. If he kept telling himself it had nothing to do with the boy reminding him of himself, then maybe he’d believe it.
Nexus, under his mask, is grinning. Techno can just tell. ‘That’s four times less than last year!’
As if that’s going to make it any better.
‘Scram,’ Techno says, and the boy laughs. It’s carefree, light and airy as he removes the grapple-hook from his side, saluting Techno before disappearing off the side of the building.
The Blade takes a moment to compose himself, before heading back towards the HQ.
**
As winter approaches, Techno can’t help but feel nervous over Nexus. The more they meet up, the more it becomes apparent that the kid isn’t putting any weight on, despite the fact that he gets a sandwich at least four times a week. He has to conclude that the boy is really struggling for money. In the list of priorities when it comes to winter, paying bills like heating and water will be low down compared to food.
The kid’s going to be cold.
‘It’s getting chilly, ain’t it? Need to wear another layer under my suit,’ Nexus chatters away, oblivious to the fact that Techno is studying him. There’s a distance between them, like usual, as they both perch on the edge of the building.
Today, Techno took a risk by bringing him two sandwiches. The fact that the kid has only eaten one, tells him that whoever is on the other end of the comms probably lives with him. Another kid, maybe a sibling, who is just as trapped as Nexus is.
He makes his decision right then and there. Techno became a hero mostly because his father was one, but also because he wanted to right the wrongs that had been done in this city.
Abandoned kids, for example, were pretty common. He should know, considering he grew up in a fighting-ring because they bought him from his parents.
‘Just get better circulation, nerd,’ Techno teases lightly, thrilled by the laughter that echoes out from his… friend. It’s a hesitant term for the alliance they have going on, but it works.
Crime rates in this section are at an all-time low. Techno got a raise just because the kid had been helping him clear out the streets.
‘Not all of us can be fucking pigs, man,’ Nexus snaps back.
‘Piglin,’ he corrects, not that the kid is going to stop calling him a pig.
They sit in silence for a moment, and then Techno decides to take a risk. ‘Any plans for Christmas?’
Asking about personal lives is a step over an invisible boundary. As it is, he’s awkward about asking it. He’s never been the best with social interaction, and asking a (probable) orphan what they’re doing for Christmas is out of his comfort zone.
Sure enough, Nexus goes tense. ‘Being fucking Santa Claus.’
Techno tries to remember how Phil coaxed him in, all those years ago. How did you gain trust with a flighty kid? ‘I wouldn’t let children anywhere near you,’ he responds calmly, trying to put the boy back at ease.
It works. Although Nexus doesn’t trust him, he knows him enough to relax slightly. ‘Are you shitting me? I’m great with kids.’
‘With the amount of cuss words you use, kid, I doubt that.’
‘Still not a kid, dick.’
Nexus leaves shortly after that. It gives Techno some time to consider the boy’s name, and wonder what its origin was. He suspects the kid has some sort of power; most people can do something. Nexus is a strange name to come up with out of the blue.
He takes the long route home, debating what he’s going to tell the Council tomorrow when he sees them.
**
‘You’re aware you could lose your position,’ Jschlatt says, staring at Techno in confusion.
Most of the heroes are staring at him in shock. They’ve been a team – some might call it a family – for as long as Techno has been Phil’s son, yet this is the first time he’s ever come under their scrutiny.
Phil’s staring at him from his seat, and Techno can feel the mix of parental anguish and disappointment coming from his father. Even his brother, sitting somewhere behind him, is watching like he’s not sure why Techno has done this.
‘I’m aware,’ Techno replies, monotonous as he stares down their leader.
Jschlatt pinches the bridge of his nose. ‘Then why risk it on a vigilante?’
Telling the Council that he had actively been ignoring the order to bring Nexus in had been his first objective. The second was to put forward a proposition.
‘I want to bring him in for Hero training.’
There’s a silence that descends over the room. The council, consisting of Jschlatt, Puffy and Phil, stare at him like he’s lost his mind.
‘Without clearance?’
‘He’d be my responsibility.’
‘You trust him?’
‘I trust his motives,’ Techno counters, ignoring the itching under his skin as the voices get louder in his head. ‘I trust that he won’t go rogue.’
Puffy interrupts the conversation, ‘And how are we to trust that?’
‘I’m asking you to trust my judgement,’ Techno counters, glancing over to his almost-aunt. ‘The kid would be better on our side.’
‘We have no knowledge of his genetics, or his power-status.’
Techno doesn’t reply to that. It’s an obvious fact to everyone in the room, to the entire Hero-squad that have assembled to see Techno get roasted for his mission failure.
Phil stays silent, considering his bias. It’s a good thing, because Techno might lose his nerve at his father’s disapproval.
Jschlatt hums. ‘Nexus has been good for the crime-rates in the city.’
Puffy’s head snaps over to him. ‘You’re considering it?’
He’s in charge for a reason. His power, the ability to twist probabilities in a fight, is highly valuable. They trust his judgement; Techno trusts his judgement. If the man says no, then he’ll accept that.
He’ll keep bringing Nexus sandwiches, though.
‘I want you to propose the offer of training to the vigilante. Three sessions a week under the guidance of one of us, and two patrols. I’ll allow him his freedom to continue his own patrols, and he’ll be paid for his time, but he’ll have to sign to the Hero Code.’
It’s more than Techno could have hoped for.
When he goes to speak, Jschlatt holds a hand up, ‘This is on your head, Technoblade. If the kid breaks the code, then you’re benched. Indefinitely. If the kid refuses to sign, you’ll bring him in.’
A double-edged sword, perfectly balanced to slice Nexus apart.
‘I wanted you cammed up for tonight. A live-feed back to here, so we can see what your vigilante is like.’
A betrayal of trust, and one that Nexus might not forgive, but he has to take a chance.
This better be worth the shouting match it’ll cause with Phil, Techno thinks.
**
He reaches the rooftop at their normal time, studying the city skyline for a moment before perching on the edge of the roof. The camera imbedded into his chest-plate is a constant reminder that he’s going to be betraying Nexus, but he doesn’t have a choice. Either he gets the kid into Hero training, or he brings him in.
It doesn’t take long for Nexus to arrive. The kid swoops up onto the building, grappling hook strapped to his side as he rolls to break the fall. When he straightens up, Techno scans him sharply.
His eyes linger on the bloodstain by the kid’s shoulder.
‘Evening, Blade,’ Nexus chirps, stepping to the ledge of the building to sit with him.
‘Nexus,’ Techno greets, nodding to his shoulder. ‘What happened?’
‘Stupid bitches down on eighth street trying to rob an old lady. An old lady! Who does that! Wrong’uns, absolute wrong’uns I tell you,’ Nexus tells him, hands moving as he tells his story.
‘Defender of old ladies,’ Techno mocks, forgetting momentarily about the camera.
Nexus flips him off. ‘Don’t be a bitch, Blade. You’ll be old one day, and I’ll make sure to beat you with your own walking stick.’
‘I’d like to see you try,’ Techno challenges, unable to resist the snipe at the kid. Unwillingly, shadows start to stalk out from the rooftop, before he pushes them back down.
Nexus notices, obviously. The kid’s highly observant, and stares at Techno’s brief lack of control before he makes grabby hands in the Hero’s direction.
‘Food?’
‘Here, kid.’ Techno throws the two sandwiches across the gap, and relaxes when the kid turns away to bite into the first one.
‘Chicken?’
‘Leftovers from my brother,’ Techno says randomly, unsure if he should be bringing this up with the entire Hero Squad listening in.
‘Ghost? I fucking hate that dude.’
Techno knows Nexus has an issue with Wilbur, although he hasn’t managed to figure out why.
‘Eat his chicken then, and know he’ll be a bitch in the morning when he finds out it’s gone.’
Nexus finishes the sandwich in three bites, before pocketing the second one. ‘Thanks.’
‘Don’t mention it.’
He’s got to bring it up. He has to, but he isn’t sure how.
‘You look constipated,’ Nexus remarks, and Techno sighs.
‘Kid…’
‘There’s a place down on the main street that sells these really helpful—’
‘Do you want to be a Hero?’
Nexus falls silent. His body curls up, tensing under the question, and Techno decides he has to continue. ‘I’ve got an offer for you. Three training sessions a week, two patrols. You’d be a Hero-in-training.’
‘What about my own patrols?’ the kid croaks out, fingers digging into his suit-covered thighs.
Techno wishes he could batt his hands away. ‘You can patrol on your own, but you’d have to sign the Hero Code. If you broke it, you’d be punished like any of us.’
Nexus pauses, before his head cocks to the side. ‘They found out you weren’t trying to bring me in?’
‘I told them,’ Techno admits, and seeing the boy’s confusion, he shrugs. ‘It’s a paid position. You’re providing for yourself, and probably whoever is on the end of your comms. It’s getting close to winter…’ and it’s cold.
The vigilante is on his feet in a heartbeat. ‘I don’t need your sympathy,’ he spits, fingers tensing as one hand drifts towards the sword at his side.
Techno rises up as well. ‘Your pride is blinding you from a good opportunity. Think about it, kid—’
‘I’m not a fucking kid. I can look after myself, and I don’t need some stupid-ass rich Hero throwing a pity-parade on a street rat.’
It’s the most Nexus has ever revealed, and potentially why Techno’s running his own mouth before he can think of the consequences of what he’s about to say. ‘I was a street rat.’
Nexus halts. ‘What?!’
Techno takes a breath. ‘I grew up in a fighting ring on the outskirts of Manberg. I was offered the same thing as you, a position to train under a Hero.’
The vigilante studies him like he’s trying to sniff out a lie. ‘What dumb-ass gets stuck in a fighting ring,’ Nexus huffs, but he’s relaxing again, so Techno doesn’t take offence. ‘Which Hero?’
‘The Angel.’
‘I’m guessing that’s your dad, then?’
He’s unwillingly given more away than he meant to, but he nods. If Jschlatt’s going to punish him for spilling all his secrets, then he can do it later.
‘What a weird family,’ Nexus mutters to himself, before looking back at him. ‘Which Hero do I have to study under?’
‘Whichever one you choose.’
‘You,’ Nexus says, instantly. ‘I’ll only sign if it’s you.’
Something warm blossoms in Techno’s stomach, but he refuses to admit it. ‘I’d be happy to train you, kid.’
Nexus hesitates, still lingering in a state between tense-anger and curiosity. ‘Do I have to tell you what I… what I can do?’
Techno’s reminded of the camera on his chest. ‘Only if you want to.’
The vigilante nervously shifts closer to the edge of the building, before he nods. ‘After I’ve signed. And… and I want a guarantee you’re not going to trap me in that stupid HQ. No funny business,’ he threatens, like his trust has been betrayed before.
It might have.
‘You’d be under my protection, you have my word,’ Techno promises, waiting to see what the boy will say.
Finally, after what seemed like an endless wait, the kid slumps. ‘I guess I’m going to have to trust that your word won’t fuck me over.’
Technoblade can’t help but smile under the mask, stretching out a hand in what he hopes is a peace-offering.
This’ll be his mentee. His to protect, and to make sure he thrives.
Nexus eyes up his hand warily, like it might be the last trap. ‘If we’re going to be working together, then I suppose you can call me Techno.’
‘Stupid name,’ Nexus says, the instinct to always have a snappy retort shining through. Regardless, he steps forward and places his gloved-hand in Techno’s.
‘Tommy.’
‘Nice to meet you, Tommy.’
The beginning of a partnership, Techno hopes.